Alcohol screening often skipped in primary care, raising health costs

Doctors are expected to ask patients about their alcohol consumption during routine checkups, but many primary care visits omit or rush this conversation.

Evidence-based screening tools can be applied within a typical 15-minute appointment, yet studies show the process is frequently compressed or left out entirely.

The resulting gap not only leaves patients without needed support for unhealthy drinking but also adds substantial costs to the health-care system.