Use of a computer alert increases detection of early, asymptomatic syphilis among higher-risk men who have sex with men.

Our study assessed the impact of a computer alert that reminded clinicians to test men who were at higher risk for syphilis on the rate of syphilis testing and diagnoses. The percentage of high-risk men who have sex with men who were tested for syphilis increased from 77% to 89% (P>.001), and the percentage of such men with asymptomatic syphilis increased from 16% to 53% (P=.001).