Racial Disparities in Chlamydia Screening for Women (CHL)

Meridian is dedicated to eradicating racial and ethnic disparities in chlamydia screenings for women. Currently, African American women are screened at significantly higher rates than White women, highlighting systemic inequities in care. To address these disparities, Meridian emphasizes the importance of testing all sexually active women 16-24 years of age for chlamydia, regardless of race or ethnicity. Annual screenings should not be limited to those deemed “high risk” but should be included as a standard preventive measure for all eligible women. The data below illustrates the existing disparities in chlamydia testing. Meridian urges providers to take proactive steps to eliminate these inequities.  

HEDIS® Measure eligibility for Chlamydia Screening in Women (CHL): 

Definition: The percentage of sexually active women ages 16-24 years who received at least one chlamydia test during the measurement year. 

How members are identified as sexually active 

• Claims/encounter data: Includes members with a claim or encounter indicating sexual activity during the measurement year.
• Pharmacy data: Includes members who were dispensed prescription contraceptives during the measurement year. 

Steps to Promote Equity and Reduce Disparities:

• Screen Equitably: Ensure all sexually active women aged 16-24 receive annual chlamydia screenings, regardless of race or ethnicity.
• Address Implicit Bias: Be aware of and actively counteract implicit biases when making screening decisions. Avoid limiting tests to patients perceived as “high risk.”
• Standardize Care: Incorporate annual chlamydia screenings as a routine preventive measure for all eligible patients during well care visits, walk in visits, pregnancy testing, and emergency contraception counseling.
• Normalize Chlamydia Testing:  Foster open discussions about safe sex and chlamydia testing with patients. Meet with teen patients privately to encourage honest conversations.
• Educate Patients: If a patient declines screening, explain the importance of CHL testing and the health risks of untreated chlamydia.
• Screen Pregnant Patients: Test all pregnant patients for chlamydia during the first trimester to prevent serious health complications for both parent and baby.
• Offer Flexible Methods: Provide various screening options- urine specimen, clinician-collected vaginal swab, or self-collected vaginal swab- to ensure patient comfort.
• Ensure Accurate Coding: Properly code completed screenings to align with NCQA specifications. See the table below for approved codes.

*Codes subject to change