SBIRT and MAT Provider Toolkit

What is SBIRT? 
 

SBIRT stands for screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment. It’s an evidence-based, preventive approach that health care providers use to identify and address substance use disorders before they escalate. 

Who qualifies for SBIRT screening?  
 

All patients can benefit from SBIRT, especially those in primary care, obstetrics and gynecology (ob/gyn), emergency or behavioral health settings. We recommend that OB/GYN providers include SBIRT as part of routine prenatal care. 

What approved tools are recommended for screening? 
 

Here’s a list of tools:
 

• TAPS Tool (Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medications, and other Substances)

• ASSIST Tool (Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test)

• CRAFFT (for members under 21) 

• 5Ps Integrated Screening Tool (PDF) (for pregnant individuals – screens for substances, depression, violence, and tobacco) 

How long does SBIRT take to implement? 

Screening takes only a few minutes. Brief interventions range from 5 to 15 minutes. Referral coordination can be streamlined using partner networks like Brave Health or Groups Recover Together. 

What should I do if a member screens positive? 
 

Here are a few steps you can take:
 

• Engage the member using motivational interviewing techniques 

• Offer brief intervention with empathetic, nonjudgmental discussion 

• Refer to MAT and/or behavioral health services 

• Document in electronic medical record (EMR) and use referral pathways 

Check the billing and coding reference chart below. Keep in mind that provider documentation must support time spent and include risk assessment, intervention details and referrals.   
 

Providers authorized to bill for SBIRT include:
 

• Physicians (MD/DO)

• Physician assistants (PAs)

• Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) 

SBIRT screening and referral flowchart (PDF)

Implementing SBIRT: An Effective Approach to Care video 

SBIRT: A Universal Tool for Pregnant Women (FL Perinatal Quality Collaborative) video 

What is MAT? 
 

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). MAT helps patients stabilize opioid use, reduces overdose risk, and improves overall health outcomes.  

For pregnant individuals, MAT supports healthy pregnancy outcomes, reduces preterm birth risk, and enhances maternal and neonatal well-being. Abrupt withdrawal or detoxification during pregnancy is strongly discouraged. 

Who can receive MAT? 
 

• General population: Anyone diagnosed with OUD can benefit from MAT. 

• Pregnant patients: MAT is recommended as part of routine prenatal care to stabilize opioid use, improve prenatal engagement, and support neonatal health. 

What are the recommended medications for opioid use disorder? 

We encourage eligible providers to offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using buprenorphine to support Medicaid members with opioid use disorder. 

Who can prescribe buprenorphine? 
 

Licensed health care professionals in Florida who hold a DEA (U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration) registration with Schedule III authority can prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. This includes: 

• Physicians (MD or DO) 

• Nurse practitioners (NPs) 

• Physician assistants (PAs) 

• Clinical nurse specialists (CNS), certified nurse midwives (CNMs) and certified registered nurse

• Anesthetists (CRNAs) (depending on scope of practice)  

The DATA 2000 “X-waiver” requirement was removed in 2023. A separate waiver is no longer needed. 

Follow these steps to get started:  
 

1. Confirm state licensure  

You must hold an active Florida license to practice and prescribe controlled substances. 

2. Apply for DEA registration 

Submit DEA Form 224 online at the DEA Diversion Control Division and select Schedules II, III, IV, and V to include buprenorphine (Schedule III).  

3. Confirm Aetna Better Health® of Florida network alignment 

You’ll need to confirm that your CAQH credentialing profile reflects MAT services. And you’ll need to update your practice listing so you’re searchable for MAT.   

If you are not already in network, join our provider network and confirm that your taxonomy codes are accurately submitted to ensure claims are processed. 

 Quick tips about coverage and prior authorization (PA) 
 

• Buprenorphine-containing products are covered for Medicaid members.  

• Automatic PA applies to most buprenorphine prescriptions. 

• You can reference these preferred drug lists and PA criteria for buprenorphine. 

Here are some training resources to help you strengthen your expertise:

Aetna Better Health provider webinars and trainings
 

Florida BH Impact SBIRT training
 

Motivational Interviewing and Patient Simulation continuing medical education (CME) 
 
Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder for Pregnant Patients online course

Connect your patients to behavioral health and MAT services through our list of partners.

 
Aetna Better Health Care Management: Support for members with medical, behavioral health and social needs through personalized care planning and coordination. 
 

• Referral: Members may self-enroll by calling Member Services and asking to speak with a care manager. Providers may also call us to request outreach 

• Phone: 1-800-441-5501 (TTY: 711)

 
Aetna Peer Support Specialists: Certified individuals with lived experience offering recovery support, connection to care, and engagement for members with substance use disorders or behavioral health needs.
 

• Referral: Members may self-enroll by calling Member Services and asking to speak with a Peer Support Specialist. Providers may also call us to request outreach 

• Phone: 1-800-441-5501 (TTY: 711) 
   

Brave Health: Virtual behavioral health and substance use disorder counseling

Members can get telehealth access to licensed therapists, psychiatric providers and care coordinators for behavioral health and substance use disorder support.  
 

• Referrals: Accepted via phone or through the Brave Health website

• Phone: 305-902-6347

Groups Recover Together: Virtual and in-person MAT support program offering group support

• Referrals: Providers may refer and member may self-refer via phone 

• Phone: 1-888-245-2318

Progeny Health: Maternity care management and case coordination. This service offers comprehensive case management for high-risk pregnant and postpartum members. You can learn more about pregnancy care management. 
 

• Referrals: Members may self-enroll via phone or the Progeny Health Maternity mobile app. This pregnancy care management flyer also offers information.  

Pregnancy care management flyer – English (PDF)
 

Pregnancy care management flyer – Spanish (PDF)  
 

• Phone: 1-855-231-4730
   

Pyx Health: Member support resource 

Pyx Health offers members access to a care helper who can help with care planning, navigating health plan benefits, connecting to local community resources, and offering someone to talk to.  
 

• Referral: Encourage members to download the Pyx Health app, visit the Pyx Health website, or call the member helpline to connect to a care planner right away. To refer, request outreach to a member for support, follow up with the Pyx team regarding a member, or learn more about the services, call the provider helpline.  

• Provider helpline: 833-747-1613

• Member helpline: 855-499-4777
   

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: For patients experiencing immediate behavioral health or substance use–related distress, providers may call or text 988 to access 24-hour, confidential crisis support. The 988 Lifeline does not replace emergency services. For life‑threatening situations, call 911.

Help members understand their treatment options with these easy-to-read, judgment-free materials. 
 

Get Help, Feel Better: What You Should Know About Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) 
 

Get Help, Feel Better: What You Should Know About Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) – English (PDF) 
 

Get Help, Feel Better: What You Should Know About Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) – Spanish (PDF)

MAT & Maternity: Safe Help for You and Baby 
 

MAT & Maternity: Safe Help for You and Baby – English (PDF) 
 

MAT & Maternity: Safe Help for You and Baby – Spanish (PDF) 

Aetna Better Health of Florida Behavioral Health Substance Use Disorder Resources for Pregnant Members 
 

Aetna Better Health of Florida Behavioral Health Substance Use Disorder Resources for Pregnant Members – English (PDF)
 

Aetna Better Health of Florida Behavioral Health Substance Use Disorder Resources for Pregnant Members – Spanish (PDF)

Aetna Better Health of Florida provider materials and forms

Opioid use and resources

Florida Behavioral Health IMPACT (Improving Maternal and Pediatric Access Care and Treatment) Program

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Guide to Utilizing SBIRT for Medicaid Practitioners

National Clinician Consultation Center: This service offers free and confidential consultation for clinicians focusing on substance use evaluation and management. You can call 844-ASK-NCCC or 844-275-6222, Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 7 PM, excluding holidays.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Opioid Use in Pregnancy Resources 

Project Overdose  

State opioid response grant information

Opioid Safety Provider Guidelines 

Maternal Opioid Recovery Effort (MORE)