Refer Patients to QuitlineNC
Research shows that 70% of smokers want to quit. But most need support to succeed — and that's where you come in. Simply advising a patient to quit tobacco during an office visit increases their chances of success.
Promoting cessation in a non-judgmental way — even with patients who aren't yet ready to quit — can plant the seed that leads to lasting change.
QuitlineNC is a frontline resource that has already helped thousands of North Carolinians start their tobacco-free lives. Referring a patient takes just a few minutes and connects them to:
- Free, confidential coaching from trained Quit Coaches
- Quit medications at no cost to eligible participants
- Ongoing support tailored to each patient's readiness and needs
A brief conversation and a referral may be all it takes to help your patient take the first step toward quitting for good.
Three Ways to Refer Your Patients
1. Web Portal
Submit referrals online at the QuitlineNC eReferral Portal. Fill out the form with patient details and submit securely. Get the Referral Portal Guide (PDF).
For assistance with the portal, email Mariam.Ali@dhhs.nc.gov.
2. Traditional Fax or Electronic Fax
Download the referral form and send completed forms via fax to 1-800-483-3114. Ensure patient consent is documented. Electronic fax may be able to be sent from your EHR.
3. EHR Integration
Read the QuitlineNC Electronic Health Record (EHR) Integration (PDF) Guide.
Refer patients directly through your EHR system (e.g., Epic) using a bi-directional (closed loop) referral. Outcome Reports populate into patient’s medical record. EHR capabilities are set up in collaboration with the QuitlineNC vendor and your IT team.
To discuss next steps for EHR integration, email Kim.Bayha@dhhs.nc.gov.
What Happens After Referral?
- Proactive Contact: QuitlineNC’s expert coaches reach out to patients within 24–72 hours. If not reached, 3-4 contact attempts are made.
- Personalized Quit Coaching: Provided through phone calls, text messages, and online chat.
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): For eligible participants, QuitlineNC can mail between two to 12 weeks of free NRT (nicotine patches and gum or lozenges) to participants.
- Specialty Services: Participants with behavioral health conditions, pregnant individuals, American Indian, active military, and youth can receive enhanced support.
Tips for Success
- Ensure patient consent is obtained before submitting referrals.
- Train the health care team on the importance of best practice tobacco treatment.
- Encourage staff to integrate QuitlineNC referrals into workflows.
- Display QuitlineNC materials in waiting areas to remind patients about available support.
- Strive for EHR referral integration to maximize care coordination and reporting.
- For guidance on treating youth nicotine addiction, see American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) considerations for clinicians or AAP's web-based application.
Contacts for Referral Support or Questions
If you need support in making referrals, please contact Mariam.Ali@dhhs.nc.gov or Kim.Bayha@dhhs.nc.gov.
References
- Clinical Practice Guideline Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence 2008 Update Panel, Liaisons, and Staff (2008). A Clinical Practice Guideline for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update. A U.S. Public Health Service Report. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 35(2), 158-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2008.04.009
- Conroy MB, Majchrzak NE, Regan S, Silverman CB, Schneider LI, Rigotti NA. The association between patient-reported receipt of tobacco intervention at a primary care visit and smokers' satisfaction with their health care. Nicotine Tob Res. 2005 Apr;7 Suppl 1:S29-34. doi: 10.1080/14622200500078063. PMID: 16036267.