Patterns in prenatal syphilis screening among Florida Medicaid enrollees.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the rate of prenatal syphilis screening and compliance with clinical guidelines on the receipt of early and repeat screening in a Medicaid population before and after implementation of the National Plan to Eliminate Syphilis.

STUDY

DESIGN

Rates of office- and clinic-based prenatal syphilis screening among pregnant women with Medicaid-covered deliveries in Florida in fiscal years (FYs) 1995 and 2000 are analyzed using Medicaid claims data.

RESULTS

The proportions of women receiving any, early, and repeat prenatal syphilis screening increased sharply between FY 1995 and FY 2000 but remain well below recommended levels. Screening is highly correlated with timing of prenatal care and Medicaid enrollment duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Further efforts to improve screening rates will need to both increase the proportion of women who receive timely prenatal care and ensure that providers comply with guidelines to provide syphilis screening as a component of prenatal care for all women.