Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection that often has no symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Untreated chlamydia infections can lead to serious complications, including infertility.

Recommended screening: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for chlamydia in sexually active women ages 24 and younger and in women 25 or older who are at increased risk for infection. Refer to our preventive care guidelines.

Closing care gaps: Chlamydia Screening is a Healthcare Effectiveness Data Information Set (HEDIS^®) measure developed by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. We gather this information to help improve our members’ care.

The measure tracks women 16 to 24 years of age who were identified as sexually active who had at least one test for chlamydia during the measurement year.  

Tips to consider

• Consider the best practice of screening all women ages 16 to 24 with a urine test.
• Be aware that screenings should occur whether or not members have symptoms. Screenings may be performed at routine annual preventive visits and at acute care visits. They should occur at any visit where oral contraceptives, STIs or urinary symptoms are discussed.
• Remind members to come in for their routine yearly visit through emails, calls or other means.
• Have a lab available for testing or a follow-up plan when the member can’t give a sample in the office.

Resources

• ImmTrac2 Texas Immunization Registry 
• Quality Improvement toolkit and tip sheets for Medicaid providers
• Texas Health Steps for Medicaid  providers

HEDIS is a registered trademark of NCQA.

The above material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the appropriate course of treatment. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material, is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.