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Through behavioral screening and intervention (BSI), patients are systematically screened for excessive drinking, drug use, depression, tobacco, diet, exercise, and obesity. read more

Chief Noble Wray

Madison Police Chief Noble Wray Endorses BSI

November 27, 2012

In the Wisconsin State Journal (WSJ), Madison Police Chief Noble Wray demonstrated his support for the important role BSI can play in addressing Wisconsin's binge drinking and intoxicated driving problems. Read his WSJ column here.

Q+A With Gundersen Health System’s Health Education Team
May 3, 2013
Today, we’re interviewing Rachael Garbers and Lindsay Seccombe to hear more about their real-world experiences implementing SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment). Rachael currently is employed as a Wellness Specialist at Gundersen Health System Trauma services department. Lindsay is completing her preceptorship with Gundersen this semester. As preceptee (teacher) and preceptor (student intern), [...]
Spring Brings New Policy Developments in SBIRT
May 2, 2013
By Richard L. Brown, MD, MPH One of the exciting aspects of serving as the WIPHL’s director has been witnessing the rapid growth and depth of support for healthcare settings to deliver behavioral screening and intervention (BSI).  In just the past few months, there has been several important policy developments regarding the recommendation and delivery of alcohol [...]

“I don’t have time”

“Health plans won’t pay for this”

...and other common concerns

See our responses

Why Behavioral Screening & Intervention

It’s needed.

BSI addresses behaviors or behavioral conditions known to cause 40 percent of deaths, most chronic illness, and most disability in the United States. Wisconsin’s problem drinking rates are among the highest in the nation and our tobacco use rates are also above average.

It works.

WIPHL has helped patient populations at partner clinics achieve a 20% decline in binge drinking, a 48% reduction in regular marijuana use, and a 55% reduction in depressive symptoms — all with high patient satisfaction.

It’s easy to do.

The addition of a dedicated health educator to the team frees up other staff to do what they do best. And WIPHL has helped dozens of healthcare settings deliver BSI over the last 6 years.

It cuts cost.

Alcohol services alone yield a 400% return on investment (ROI) within one year. Depression services pay for themselves within 1 year and yield a 4.5:1 ROI over 4 years. Tobacco services are even more cost effective over several years.

It’s the future.

Federal health care reform and a renewed national focus on prevention position BSI as a necessary service for future success.

Find out who supports the BSI Program