KanCare | DCF | KDHE | Office of the Governor

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral for Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based approach for identifying patients who use alcohol and other substances at increased levels of risk, with the goal of reducing and preventing related health consequences, diseases, accidents, and injuries. SBIRT is designed to identify an individual who has an alcohol and/or substance use disorder or is at risk of developing one by evaluating responses to questions about alcohol and/or other substance use.  

Providers who wish to provide Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral for Treatment (SBIRT) as a billable service to Medicaid-eligible patients in Kansas must meet specific requirements set by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Behavioral Health Services Commission prior to billing for the service.

• BHS-MCO 503 - Process for approval to provide Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral for Treatment services to Medicaid-eligible patients– this policy establishes the process practitioners must complete prior to administering and billing Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral for Treatment (SBIRT) services to Medicaid-eligible patients in Kansas.

• BHS/MCO 504 – Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral for Treatment (SBIRT) Services- this policy establishes the process for administering Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral for Treatment (SBIRT) to Medicaid-eligible patients in Kansas.

A Personal NPI number is required to bill this service (see the instructions below)

1. Be an Eligible Professional Type

Eligible practitioners must be currently licensed in Kansas in good standing. Please see policy BHS/MCO 503 for more information on approved professional types.

2. Complete Training

Practitioners are required to complete a KDADS approved SBIRT training. The only current approved training is a free online course titled, “SBIRT for Health and Behavioral Health Professionals” and found on the following link: www.healtheknowledge.org. The practitioner must have a proficiency test score of 80% or greater to pass the course and receive a certificate of completion.   

3. Complete Credentialing Processes and Submit Documentation

For Individual Practitioners

Individual practitioners shall submit documentation of training completion and professional licensure to:

a. (Prior to 7/1/18):

i. The KanCare Managed Care Organization(s) (MCOs) whose managed care patients the provider intends to serve; and

ii. The Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KMAP) for fee-for-service patients

b. (Effective 7/1/18 and after the new enrollment process begins) KMAP for both managed care and fee-for-service patients

For Facilities

Facilities shall maintain documentation of training completion and professional licensure for each practitioner performing SBIRT services in the facility. The policy requires the facility to attest that the facility will only bill for SBIRT services if the employee performing the service has met the training and certification requirements.