New coding guidance: Many providers feel unready, balk at mental health, substance screenings

Why This Topic Matters

Screening for mental health and substance use can affect documentation, preventive service reporting, care planning, and referral workflows. Understanding the broader clinical and operational guidance helps practices align staffing, tools, and billed services with patient needs.

Article Sections

1. Study findings on provider readiness

   Summarizes survey findings about clinician preparedness for mental health and substance use screening and related support needs. Discusses the composition of the surveyed group and the general training gap identified.

2. How providers can support screening and care

   Outlines practical approaches suggested by clinicians and educators for improving screening, patient engagement, staff awareness, and referral readiness. Includes general discussion of tools, practice environment, and training focus areas.