The majority of people who try to quit smoking, do so without the benefit of counseling or medication. This may be why the relapse rate is so high. The majority of people who receive medications do not receive counseling, even though it would double the likelihood of succeeding. Find out why in my latest Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/edwardanselm/p/the-missing-link-in-tobacco-treatment?r=fp3rx&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

What can be done to improve the reach of counseling? This is a link to PowerPoint presentation to be given at upcoming conferences that outlines the steps that can be taken to increase referrals to tobacco treatment.

Several tools are discussed at the program:

A thank you note (that you can modify) advocating for your Quitline or service. The note addresses reimbursement for referrals, as well as aspects of systems change that may make referrals more routine. The AMA advises specialists on how to increase referrals. You can too! AMA Guide to Maximizing Physician Referral Strategies

Promoting tobacco treatment in general by persuading clinics to use materials available from the CDC and post TIPS from former smokers: in their video loops

same messages can be used in thank you notes or monthly reports.

A more formal approach to use of social media is available from NAQC (password required) NAQC_Guide_Social_Marketing_.pdf

Helping Doctors do the math on Tobacco Treatment in their practice.

Set up routine billing for tobacco treatment The brief tobacco cessation counseling code, 99406, can be added on to most Evaluation and Management codes. As an “incident to service” any person in a white coat can provide and document the service. Quitline referrals, and especially prescribing cessation medications can be reimbursed. When these interventions are performed consistently, the financial impact can be significant. Since 2008, clinical practice guidelines support an evidence-based intervention for every smoker, every visit, regardless of their readiness to change. Scheduled follow-ups to counselling double the impact of any intervention, and additional sessions further enhance outcomes. Cessation interventions apply to all types of tobacco. Here is a guide for billing CPT 99406 as an add-on code. The current national rate is $15.50.