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Professional Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

ASAM Criteria

Pronunciation: AY-sam

Also written as: ASAM — American Society of Addiction Medicine

Standardized assessment tool determining appropriate level of addiction treatment care based on patient needs.

Full Definition

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria provide a comprehensive set of guidelines for matching patients to appropriate levels of addiction treatment based on six dimensions of assessment. These criteria help clinicians determine whether a patient needs outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient programs, residential treatment, or medically managed intensive inpatient services. Proper ASAM documentation is essential for insurance authorization and continuity of care.

Usage

Usage note: Always capitalize ASAM; include level designation when applicable.

In Context

  • "The ASAM Criteria assessment indicated Level 2.1 intensive outpatient treatment." — Clinical assessment report
  • "Insurance authorization was obtained using ASAM Criteria documentation." — Administrative note

Also known as

ASAM placement criteria patient placement criteria

Don't confuse with

ASI (Addiction Severity Index) AUDIT
Al-Anon ← Back to glossary ASAM Level 0.5

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