ASAM Comments to CMS Call for Updated Payment Policies to Support Hospital-Based SUD Care

In its comments, ASAM highlighted the growing volume and complexity of alcohol and drug-related hospital encounters and pointed to the Society's Implementation Guide for Hospital and Emergency Department Substance Use Disorder Care as a roadmap for strengthening addiction treatment in hospital and emergency department settings. ASAM urged CMS to evaluate whether existing payment policies adequately support evidence-based models of care, including addiction consult services, emergency department treatment initiation, and bridge clinics. The Society also recommended that CMS address identified payment gaps and prioritize the development of hospital-based addiction treatment quality measures to improve accountability, expand access to care, and help connect more patients to lifesaving treatment.

Read ASAM's letter here.