CenCal Health’s 2025 Population Needs Assessment identified a notable increase in Spanish-speaking members diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)1. This STI Awareness Month, CenCal Health encourages providers to remain vigilant in identifying members due for these important preventive health screenings.
Screening for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea is strongly encouraged for women who are age 24 or younger and sexually active, or for women 25 years and older with an increased risk2. Both types of infection can increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV3. Screening for HIV is recommended for adolescents and adults ages 15 to 65, and during all pregnancies.
CenCal Health’s Quality Care Incentive Program incentivizes Chlamydia Screening (CHL) for members (excluding members assigned male at birth) age 16-24 who are sexually active and have been screened for chlamydia in the last 12 months.
To support quality performance and improve patient outcomes, CenCal Health encourages providers to:
- Proactively identify members recommended for screening, such as asymptomatic, sexually active adolescents and adults, including pregnant persons.
- Screen patients whose sexual history reveals new or persistent risk factors since the last negative test result.
- Discuss sexual behaviors, reminding patients of the importance of safe sex practices and associated risks, such as the asymptomatic nature of infection.
- Consider Opt-Out Screening, an approach used to increase adherence to the screening4.
- Screen for chlamydia and gonorrhea simultaneously, as the risk factors for infection overlap.
- Leverage practice workflows, such as pre-visit planning, standing orders, or patient reminders, to increase screening rates.
- Refer to the CDC for the most up-to-date guidance on treatment to help prevent antibiotic resistance for gonorrhea.
Additional recommendations published by the United States Preventive Services Taskforce (USPSTF) can be found on the Jama Network website.
Member Health Education Resources
Share the award-winning educational video, “Know More: STIs,” to increase patients’ awareness of the importance of STI screenings and vaccinations. Available in English or Spanish.
Wellness and Prevention flyers are sent to members overdue for specific screenings and services are also available on the CenCal Health website.
Please contact the Population Health team for questions and additional support at populationhealth@cencalhealth.org. For health education and promotion questions, please email: healtheducation@cencalhealth.org.