CAGE Calculator

The CAGE Calculator is a simple and easy to use calculator that is used to screen for potential alcohol problems. It comprises of four questions and the scale can be administered in less than a minute by clinicians.

CAGE is an acronym for the focus of the questions:

  • C - Cutting Down.

  • A - Annoyance by Criticism.

  • G - Guilty Feeling.

  • E - Eye-openers.

Note - This is a screening tool and is not intended to provide a diagnosis.

CAGE Calculator Scoring

The patient is scored based on the answers to the questions.

Scoring Outcome
0-1 points Negative
2 or more points Positive
Important - Scores of 2 or higher had a 93% sensitivity / 76% specificity for the identification of "excessive drinking" and a 91% sensitivity / 77% specificity for the identification of alcoholism.

Accessing the CAGE Calculator

  1. From Consultation Manager, select Vision+ from the floating toolbar and select Calculators - Lifestyle - CAGE:

  2. The CAGE Calculator displays:

Using the Calculator

Home Tab

From the Home tab:

  • Save & Close - Select to save the calculator and generated score to the patient's record.

  • Show Indicators - Select to display the patient's Alert Indicator without opening Consultation Manager.

  • Default Date - Defaults to today, update if required by entering a new date or selecting from the calendar.

  • Previous Tab / Next Tab - Moves between the Calculator tabs.

Calculator Tabs

Select from:

  • History - Displays the clinical information from the patient's record.

    See Viewing the History Tab for details.

  • CAGE - The main calculator tab, complete as required.

  • CAGE Evidence - Displays the evidence behind the calculator.

Completing the Calculator

To complete the CAGE Calculator and score your patient:

  1. Populate the calculator with any additional information required.
  2. Select Undo Last Entry to delete the clinical term previously entered during the session if required.
  3. Select Save & Close to save the score and calculator to the patient's record:

  4.  The appropriate clinical term saves to the patient's record:

Note - Non coded control results such as questionnaire answers are not recorded to the patient's record, only the final score.
Note - To print this topic select Print in the top right corner and follow the on-screen prompts.