Integrating Behavioral Screening and Intervention Into General Health Care (Patient Care) (Report‪)‬

As if health care isn't already changing rapidly enough, many providers and provider organizations will soon face a new set of expectations. Primary care settings, emergency departments, and hospital inpatient units will soon be pressed to provide systematic behavioral screening and intervention (BSI) to all patients. Tobacco, alcohol and depression screening and intervention carry Grade A or B recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Consequently, as of September 23, 2010, under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), new health plans must reimburse for these services without cost sharing. Current plans that substantially modify their benefits, and all plans in future exchanges, will fall under this rule.