January 2026

It's important to screen for Alcohol Use Disorder during the winter months. 

Healthcare providers play an important role in identifying Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), delivering appropriate care, and connecting patients to local resources and support groups. Routine screening for AUD is essential. Screening is especially important during winter months, when reduced daylight, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and social isolation may increase alcohol usage.

The recommended screening tools include: 

• AUDIT-C
• AUDIT-10
• CAGE questionnaire
• CIWA-Ar for withdrawal risk evaluation. 

Certain populations are at higher risk for developing or worsening AUD. These include individuals with depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and chronic pain, as well as adults experiencing unemployment or homelessness, as psychosocial factors play an important role in a person’s alcohol usage and willingness and ability to quit. Older adults are also vulnerable due to dangerous interactions between alcohol and common medications such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and anticholinergics, which may cause increased sedation. 

Treating AUD

Fewer than one in ten individuals with AUD receive any formal treatment. Educating patients about AUD as a chronic medical condition can reduce the stigma surrounding it and improve patient/caregiver engagement.

Pharmacologic treatment options endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association include the following: 

• Naltrexone: can reduce cravings and heavy drinking but is contraindicated in patients using opioids or with advanced liver dysfunction – both common comorbidities with alcohol usage.
• Acamprosate: preferred in patients with significant liver disease because it is renally cleared and well tolerated.
• Disulfiram: does require more adherence, and it cannot be used in patients with a sulfa allergy. 

It is also important to distinguish that, based on evidence from the COMBINE trial, pharmacologic management is not enough of a treatment for AUD. Typically, the patient will most likely benefit from a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically in a group setting, along with pharmacologic treatment. 

Linking patients to local addiction treatment services is crucial for supporting their recovery. The following community resources are available:

• Horizon Health Services offers outpatient counseling, residential rehabilitation, psychiatric care, and medication-assisted treatment. 
• Erie County Medical Center provides inpatient detoxification and comprehensive outpatient programs. 
• Best-Self Behavioral Health integrates mental health and substance use treatment and offers walk-in access. 
• The Buffalo VA Medical Center provides specialized AUD care for eligible veterans.

Community-based resources such as St. John’s Grace, First Trinity Lutheran Church, Faith United Presbyterian Church, and Thankful Heart are all viable community resources that are easily accessible with low barriers of entry that can be found on the AA Buffalo website.

It is important to be reminded that AUD is treatable and that early recognition saves lives. By incorporating routine screening, offering evidence-based counseling and medication options, and connecting patients and caregivers with community resources, providers can meaningfully reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with alcohol use disorder.

References:

1. Weiss, R. D., O’malley, S. S., Hosking, J. D., LoCastro, J. S., & Swift, R. (2008). Do patients with alcohol dependence respond to placebo? results from the combine study. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 69(6), 878–884. 
2. UpToDate: Alcohol Use Disorder, Pharmacologic Management, 2025.
3. Buffalo, B. (2025). Buffalo Area AA Central office. Buffalo area AA central office. 
4. Reus, V., Fochtmann, L., & Bukstein, O. (2018). The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Pharmacological Treatment of Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9781615371969 

USPSTF screening schedules for cervical cancer begin at age 21

The best way to find cervical cancer early is to discuss regular screening tests. Regular screening has been shown to prevent cervical cancers and save lives. Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and can prevent any early cervical cell changes from becoming cancer. 

A Pap test can find precancer cells of the cervix before they become cancer. Regular Pap tests gives patients a better chance of preventing cancer. In fact, most cases of cervical cancer are found in women who haven't had regular or any screening tests.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) notes that all women at average risk should get regular Pap tests starting at age 21. These recommendations also say that:

• Starting at age 21 until age 29, women are recommended to have a Pap test (cytology test) alone every 3 years.
• Women between ages 30 and 65 are recommended to have an HPV test alone every 5 years. Or they may have a combination HPV and Pap test (called co-test) done every 5 years. Or they may have a Pap test alone every 3 years.
• Women older than 65 who have had regular screening with normal results can stop screening for cervical cancer. 

View additional information about screening tests on the American Cancer Society website. 

Yearly reminder to check the updated reimbursement manual for coding and billing changes for the coming year. 

Independent Health encourages all providers to review the Participating Provider Reimbursement Manual on your provider portal, which will contain highlights of coding and billing changes for 2026. The updated manual will be posted no later than December 31, 2025.

As a reminder, Independent Health adheres to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) billing and reimbursement guidelines unless otherwise documented.

Since coding updates take place at a national level, we encourage all providers to familiarize themselves with industry standard resources and projected impacts of these changes to your practice.

These resources are also linked directly into the Participating Provider Reimbursement Manual on your provider portal.

For additional details on the new and revised codes, please review the 2026 CPT® and HCPCS books for comprehensive changes. To ensure compliance and accurate claims processing please verify the appropriate staff in your office are registered for the provider portal and are staying current with policies as well as the Participating Provider Reimbursement Manual. 

Current chiropractic network is adequate for member needs.

Flu shot, social needs self-screening, and OMW member outreach

Remember to view our up-to-date policies online.