Unhealthy Alcohol Use Screening and Follow-Up (ASF-E)
Measure Description
Percentage of members 18 years of age and older who were screened for unhealthy alcohol use using a standardized instrument and, if screened positive, received appropriate follow-up care.
This measure includes two components:
Part 1: Screening
Denominator: Members 18 years and older at the start of the measurement period.
Numerator: Unhealthy alcohol use screening: Members with a documented result for unhealthy alcohol use screening performed between January 1 and November 1 of the measurement period.
Part 2: Follow-up
Denominator: Members from numerator 1 with a positive finding for unhealthy alcohol use screening between January 1 and November 1 of the measurement period.
Numerator: Follow-up care on positive screen: Members receiving alcohol counseling or other follow-up care.
Measurement Period
January 1 – December 31
Screening Tools:
Eligible unhealthy alcohol use screening instruments with thresholds for positive findings:
Screening Instrument | Positive Finding |
Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) screening instrument | Total score ≥8 |
Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Consumption (AUDIT-C) screening instrument | Total score ≥4 for men Total score ≥3 for women |
Single-question screen (for men): | Response ≥1 |
Single-question screen (for women and all adults older than 65 years): | Response ≥1 |
Notes
- Data for screening comes from supplemental data sources.
- Age is as of the start of the measurement period.
Alcohol Counseling or Other Follow-Up Care:
Any of the following on or up to 60 days after the first positive screen:
- Feedback on alcohol use and risks.
- Identification of high-risk situations for drinking and coping strategies.
- Increase the motivation to reduce drinking.
- Development of a personal plan to reduce drinking.
- Documentation of receiving alcohol misuse treatment.
Exclusions
- Members with alcohol use disorder that starts during the year prior to the measurement year.
- Members with a diagnosis of dementia any time during the person’s history through the last day of the measurement period.
- Members in hospice during the measurement year.
- Members who die any time during the measurement period.
Best Practices
- Educate patients on the importance of follow-up care and adherence to treatment recommendations.
- Utilize EMR reports and patient flags to identify members due for unhealthy alcohol use screening.
- Schedule follow-up appointments at the time of a positive screen for unhealthy alcohol use including those who were recently seen in the ED or had an inpatient admission.
- Educate staff on the importance of screening and documenting patient’s alcohol use at least annually.
- Ensure the specific screening instrument used is documented in the EMR.
Coding and Benefits Disclaimer
Providers and organizations must submit accurate and complete data in accordance with all billing, coding, and medical policy requirements. HEDIS guidance does not override official coding standards or guarantee reimbursement, as coverage is subject to applicable medical/coding policy and member-specific benefits.
Questions
Should you have specific coding or other questions related to the measure, please send your questions to BlueAlliance@bcbsnd.com.
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Updated 8/28/2026
