Do Clinicians Screen Medicaid Patients for Syphilis or HIV When they Diagnose Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2003
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.OLQ.0000078652.66397.4C
Abstract
Background: Patients diagnosed with gonorrhea or chlamydia are at high risk for HIV and syphilis, and should be offered screening for both. Goal: This study measures HIV and syphilis screening rates among Medicaid patients diagnosed with another sexually transmitted disease (STD). Study Design: Using 1998 Medicaid claims data from 4 states, we identified individuals diagnosed with gonorrhea, urogenital chlamydia, or pelvic inflammatory disease, and then measured the proportion receiving screening tests for HIV and syphilis. Results: Only 25% of STD-diagnosed Medicaid patients received screening tests for syphilis and only 15% for HIV. We found significant state-to-state variability in screening rates. Conclusion: Medicaid patients diagnosed with a non blood borne STD represent a high-risk group that is not adequately screened for syphilis and HIV despite repeated contact with medical professionals. Interventions should focus on eliminating missed opportunities for screening these high-risk individuals.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, v. 30, issue 9, p. 723-727
Scholar Commons Citation
Rust, George; Minor, Patrick; Jordan, Neil; Mayberry, Robert; and Satcher, David, "Do Clinicians Screen Medicaid Patients for Syphilis or HIV When they Diagnose Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases?" (2003). Mental Health Law & Policy Faculty Publications. 188.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/mhlp_facpub/188
