08/26/2025

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are common sexually transmitted infections that often have no symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Untreated infections can lead to serious complications, including infertility.

Recommended screening: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in sexually active women, including pregnant patients, 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.

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.  We gather this information to help you close our members’ care gaps.

Tips to consider to close care gaps

• Consider the best practice of annually screening all women 24 and younger, and women 25 and older who are at increased risk for infection.
• Screenings may be performed at routine annual preventive visits and at acute care visits. Consider screening 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.

Resources

•  U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation on screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea
• CDC screening recommendations for sexually transmitted infections
• 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.