WHAT IS ASAM CRITERIA?

ASAM Criteria is a strength-based, multidimensional assessment that addresses an addiction patient’s needs, obstacles, and liabilities, as well as the patient’s strengths, assets, resources and support structure, in order to determine the appropriate level of treatment along the continuum of care (from the various levels of outpatient to residential/inpatient services to medically managed intensive inpatient services).  It has been developed over many years.  

In ASAM's multidimensional assessment, there are six dimensions used to summarize a person's needs, define severity and develop a treatment plan. Clinicians use the dimensions to identify problems, goals and treatment plan objectives.  All six dimensions must be taken into consideration when determining length of stay in treatment and level of care.

Exclusively using ASAM criteria to identify the treatment needs of an addiction patient has been California law since January 1, 2021, yet the insurance companies persist in hiring doctors unqualified in addiction medicine to make decisions that impact a patient’s ability to recover and stay in recovery.  

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