The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force said clinicians should ask all patients 18 and older questions about unhealthy drug use, defined as either using illicit substances or misusing prescription medications.
Before conducting the screenings, clinicians should ensure they can provide an accurate diagnosis and connect patients with treatment, the task force said.
The recommendation replaces a statement the task force issued in 2008 saying there was not enough evidence available to weigh the benefits and risks of screening all patients for drug use.
The taskforce published its recommendation and corresponding evidence in the Journal of the American Medical Association June 9.
More articles on opioids:
‘This is how it needs to be’: Physicians call for permanent changes to addiction medicine
5 states with the most, fewest overdose deaths
Pharmacy chains helped fuel opioid crisis, complaint alleges
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.