CPT Includes New Codes for Substance Abuse

New codes for substance abuse screening and brief intervention have been included in the new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes.

The two codes (99408 for interactions of 15-30 minutes, and 99409 for interactions over 30 minutes) should streamline reporting and the reimbursement procedures for physicians who perform alcohol or substance abuse (other than tobacco) structured screening and brief intervention.

The new codes became effective on January 2.

“These new health care codes will strengthen the doctor-patient relationship and incorporate a powerful preventive public health resource in America's health care system,” said Bertha Madras, M.D., deputy director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, in a statement announcing the new codes. “Doctors will now be able to assess their patients' drug and alcohol use—as they already do for diabetes and obesity—and work to prevent, reduce, and treat those with substance abuse disorders.

“Widespread screening and brief interventions can effectively reduce substance use disorders and their adverse effects on the human brain, body, and behavior,” Madras said. “Brief interventions are medically reliable, cost-effective, and endure.” ▪