Are you screening your patients for syphilis?
Screening for syphilis is essential because primary and secondary rates of syphilis have increased steadily over the last twenty years. If not detected and treated, syphilis will progress to latent syphilis. Latent syphilis can develop into tertiary syphilis, which affects every organ system. Do you know who should be screened?
An article in MDEdge reports on the US Preventive Services Task Force’s (USPSTF) updated recommendations on screening for syphilis. The article identifies populations at a greater risk for the disease and recommends the frequency of screening these individuals. As with all STDs, syphilis is reportable to your local health department.
Office practices need a well-designed results management process to ensure diagnostic tests are completed and the practice receives results. Medical Mutual's practice tip Results Management: Tracking Diagnostic Tests and Referrals will help you evaluate and improve your test tracking process.