• The target trendline in the graph above represents an accepted national benchmark percentile for Medicaid programs across the country. The value graphed historically was the national 50^th percentile for comparison purposes. In 2020 (for measurement year 2019) we modified the value shown to demonstrate a target based on our actual performance.  For this measure, the target is the 50^th national percentile.
• The annual reported rate captures activity during the previous calendar year. 
• This is a Healthcare Effectiveness & Data Information Set (HEDIS) administrative measure.
• DVHA’s rates only include Medicaid Primary beneficiaries in HEDIS administrative measures.

This measure assesses the percentage of sexually active women 16-24 years of age who were screened for chlamydia during the measurement year. Screening is essential because the majority of women who have the condition do not experience symptoms. The main objective of chlamydia screening is to prevent pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility and ectopic pregnancy, all of which have very high rates of occurrence among women with untreated chlamydia infection.

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the U.S. Risk factors associated with becoming infected with chlamydia are the same risks for contracting other STD’s (e.g., multiple sex partners). Chlamydia is more prevalent among adolescent and young adult women.

Last updated:  September 2021

In 2017 the DVHA Quality Committee and Managed Care Medical Committee recommended that we convene a Quality Improvement work group to explore this measure further since we historically have performed below the national 50th percentile for Medicaid programs. The project team included DVHA Quality Unit, Data Unit & Blueprint staff as well as VDH staff from Maternal and Child Health and Health Surveillance Divisions.  The team sponsored a Learning Collaborative through the Blueprint’s Women’s Health Initiative. 5 practices participated in the collaborative, which included 8 monthly webinars and ended in November 2019. The Learning Collaborative course content can be converted to an e-learn course on the Vermont Health Learn platform for providers.