Annual Chlamydia Screening for PA CHIP Members Age 16+

Highmark Healthy Kids (CHIP) encourages PCPs to provide annual chlamydia screenings for sexually active cisgender women and persons assigned female at birth (hereinafter “females”) ages 16+ and to educate members on routine testing. This screening is part of the NCQA HEDIS^® Chlamydia Screening (CHL) measure.

CHIP covers chlamydia screening at no cost as part of preventive care.

According to the 2023 STI Surveillance Report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chlamydia is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S.

Screening is critical because many females are asymptomatic; early detection and treatment help prevent serious complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.

We understand that discussing this topic can be uncomfortable, but it plays a critical role in promoting adolescent health and safety.

Tips for Discussing Chlamydia Screening with Members

Use well-child visits to perform annual chlamydia screening females ages 16-19 who identified as being sexually active.

• Meet with teens privately to encourage open dialogue and explain confidentiality policies.
• Take a patient-centered, trauma-informed approach:
  • Confirm your patient’s name and pronouns, as well as their sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • Recognize that some patients may feel uncomfortable discussing sexual history, partners, or practices, and others may have experienced trauma.
• Begin by normalizing discussions about sexual health and asking about sexual activity in a nonjudgmental way.
  • Sample script:
    • “I ask all my patients your age a few questions about relationships and sexual health so I can make sure we’re offering the right care.”
• Present screening as a normal part of care.
  • Sample script:
    • “Many infections don’t cause symptoms, so we recommend routine testing for people your age.”
    • “This is a simple urine test we offer to all sexually active patients.”