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

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