National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week takes place from January 22-27, 2019. This week is sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and is aimed at linking teens to science based facts to dispel myths about drug use. The observance was launched in 2010 by scientists at NIDA to stimulate educational events in communities so teens can learn what science has taught us about drug use and addiction. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) collaborated with NIDA in 2016, and alcohol has been added as a topic area for the week. NIDA and NIAAA are part of the National Institutes of Health.

BCBSRI encourages all primary care providers to universally screen for substance use disorders using the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model. SBIRT is an evidence-based practice used to identify, reduce, and prevent problematic use, abuse, and dependence on alcohol and illicit drugs. SBIRT consists of three major components:

• Screening – A healthcare professional assesses a patient for risky substance use behaviors using standardized screening tools.
• Brief Intervention – A healthcare professional engages a patient showing risky substance use behaviors in a short conversation, providing feedback and advice.
• Referral to Treatment – A healthcare professional provides a referral to brief therapy or additional treatment to patients who screen in need of additional services.

Screening for substance use disorders using the SBIRT model is a reimbursable service. Please refer to this policy for details.

BCBSRI has the following programs to support our members who may be struggling with substance use disorders:

CODAC Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program is an outpatient Buprenorphine/Naloxone or Buprenorphine program offered by CODAC, a substance use disorder treatment facility. BCBSRI has partnered with Rhode Island’s first Center of Excellence (COE) for the treatment of opioid dependence to provide comprehensive medication assisted treatment-related services to BCBSRI commercial members to facilitate recovery. The goal of the program is to offer structured and intensive treatment including medication-assisted treatment, such as Suboxone, nursing, counseling, and case management services that ultimately lead to recovery—and the ability to maintain recovery—in a less intensive treatment program.

If you wish to refer someone to the program, please contact CODAC at (401) 461-5056.

Peer recovery coaches

BCBSRI is piloting this program through Anchor Recovery/The Providence Center that will provide an opportunity for commercial members with substance use disorders to work with a Peer Recovery Coach. Peer Recovery Coaching is a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)-recognized tool that facilitates recovery and reduces healthcare costs. Peer Recovery Coaches are individuals in recovery themselves who have been through extensive training to provide support to their peers. Recovery Coaches do not diagnose or treat addiction, but rather serve as a bridge to substance use services and community supports.

To learn more about Anchor Recovery visit: www.anchorrecovery.org. To learn more about the Peer Recovery Coach program, please contact Sarah Fleury, LICSW, CPHQ, lead behavioral health clinical program specialist, at (401) 459-1384 or sarah.fleury@bcbsri.org.

How do I connect a patient to behavioral health services?

The behavioral healthcare system can be confusing and overwhelming for your patients to navigate. As BCBSRI continues to expand our continuum of services for behavioral health, we realize that providers may have questions regarding the types of services available for their patients. There are several ways to learn more about behavioral health benefits and services:

• The Provider Call Center [(401) 274-4848 or 1-800-230-9050)] can answer questions regarding a member’s benefits, including member liability for services. They can also assist if you’re simply looking for a participating behavioral health provider. You can also search our website at bcbsri.com if you are simply looking for a behavioral health provider.
• The Beacon Health Options (Beacon) Clinical Referral Line is available 24/7 and is answered by clinical behavioral health staff. The clinical referral line can assist you in identifying a behavioral health provider, as well as providing support and guidance. The clinical referral line should not be used if there is concern of imminent danger, but can be a first point of contact in non-emergency situations. The clinician, who may be a registered nurse, independently licensed social worker, or mental health counselor, will ask questions to get a better understanding of your patient’s needs. The clinician will provide you with information about services that are available and will offer the names and contact information for providers who offer these services. You can contact the Clinical Referral Line at 1-800-274-2958. You may also share this number with your patients if they prefer to contact Beacon themselves.
• The Beacon Intensive Case Management Program can assist your patients in effectively managing their behavioral
• health conditions. Independently licensed behavioral health clinicians will work with your patient to:

– Help them understand barriers that prevent them from getting the most from their treatment or obtaining recommended treatment.

– Help them find and obtain services or resources needed to better manage their behavioral health condition.

– Provide education and support to help them better manage their condition.

– Coordinate care with providers to ensure you and your patient have the necessary information to provide them with the best care and support.

– Work with them to ensure they know the medications they should be taking and understand the instructions you’ve provided to them.

To refer a patient to Beacon Health Options Case Management Program, please call 1-800-274-2958, option 3, then option 1.

You may also use our automated referral form at bcbsri.com by following these easy steps:

1. Log on to the Provider portal of bcbsri.com.

2. Click on "Tools and Resources."

3. Click on "Forms."

4. Click on "Case Management Request."

5. Complete the required fields and click "Go!".