The Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) is one of health care’s most widely used performance improvement tools. More than 235 million people are enrolled in plans that report HEDIS results. One of the vital updates this year involves prenatal screening for syphilis. The Prenatal Syphilis Screening (PSY-E) measures the percentage of deliveries that had a syphilis screening during the first trimester or within 14 days of the first pregnancy diagnosis or prenatal visit or within 30 days of enrollment in the organization.    This measure aims to increase prenatal syphilis screening to identify and treat syphilis early in pregnancy, reducing the likelihood of congenital syphilis.  To read the Prenatal Syphilis Screening (PSY-E) report, click here, or copy and paste "bit.ly/47wMVGQ" into your browser address bar. To see the full report for 2027, visit bit.ly/47tkWrs. #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #NCQA #HEDIS #Syphilis #Prevention #PrenatalSyphilisScreening #Awareness #PublicHealth

October 15 is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), a community mobilization that since 2003 has promoted effective ways to prevent, treat, and stop the spread of HIV among Latinos. Taking the HIV test is the critical starting point for all care and prevention. This year’s campaign empowers individuals to take charge of their health by getting tested. An estimated 170,000 people in the United States are living with HIV without knowing it. Undiagnosed HIV delays access to life-saving care and increases the risk of transmission. Whether using an at-home kit or visiting a local clinic, testing is a critical first step. Reflecting this message, this year’s NLAAD theme is “Knowing Your HIV Status Is a Good Place to Start.” #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #HIV #AIDS #Latino #Prevention #Awareness #PublicHealth

A recent report by the CDC has indicated that since 2017, syphilis cases have increased substantially in the United States, including in Alaska. Historically, syphilis prevalence has been high among incarcerated populations. To read the full report (if link can't be clicked, copy and paste this address into your browser address bar): bit.ly/4yMNpEI The implications are sobering. The CDC recommends conducting opt-out syphilis screening for incarcerated persons based on the local and institutional prevalence of infectious syphilis. In light of the nationwide increase in syphilis, including congenital syphilis, the lack of timely testing and adequate treatment contributing to nearly 90% of U.S. congenital syphilis cases, and the relatively high prevalence of syphilis among incarcerated persons, correctional facilities nationwide might benefit from adopting an opt-out screening strategy for syphilis among incarcerated persons. #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #syphilis #CongenitalSyphilis #PublicHealth #CDC

The CDC has an amazing new syphilis tools app! Syphilis Tools is a new, free app that healthcare providers can use as a clinical reference for syphilis screening, testing, and treatment. Use interactive tools within the app to interpret serologic tests, identify syphilis stages, determine treatment regimens, and monitor titers, all from one app. It also pulls county-based syphilis data to help inform local screening efforts. • It works fully OFFLINE once downloaded - no internet access needed to use it. • It's completely FREE - with no login information needed! Download the Syphilis Tools app from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store, or access it via the National STD Curriculum. #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #Syphilis #PublicHealth #STIPrevention #STIAwareness #STITreatment #CDC

We're at the TRANSPIRE 2026 conference in Scottsdale, Arizona! TRANSPIRE is a national technical assistance conference specifically for state, local, and territorial health departments. It focuses on cultivating health innovation and providing practical best practices for the workforce leading crucial HIV, hepatitis, and drug user health programs. The conference is designed to encourage health department professionals to contribute their own expertise via speaking roles, resources, and workshops co-led with NASTAD’s team of subject matter experts. More than 300 conference attendees are expected, and we hope we'll see you there, too! Find us at Booth #6 for some lively discussions about public health and cultivating health innovation. We hope we see you soon! #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #HIV #AIDS #2026TRANSPIRE #NASTAD #PublicHealth

Next week, we'll be attending the TRANSPIRE 2026 conference in Scottsdale, Arizona! TRANSPIRE is a national technical assistance conference specifically for state, local, and territorial health departments. It focuses on cultivating health innovation and providing practical best practices for the workforce leading crucial HIV, hepatitis, and drug user health programs. The conference is designed to encourage health department professionals to contribute their own expertise via speaking roles, resources, and workshops co-led with NASTAD’s team of subject matter experts. More than 300 conference attendees are expected, and we hope we'll see you there, too! Find us at Booth #6 for some lively discussions about public health and cultivating health innovation. See you soon! #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #HIV #AIDS #2026TRANSPIRE #NASTAD #PublicHealth

This week! We're extremely excited to be at the U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA) this week, and we hope we'll see you there! The United States Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA) is one of the largest annual HIV-focused gatherings in the country. What makes USCHA unique is that it’s not just a scientific or medical conference — it’s a community‑driven space where people living with HIV, advocates, service providers, policymakers, and healthcare leaders come together with a shared purpose. Honoring the 45th year of the HIV movement, we're proud to stand and do all we can to help end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This year's theme is "United and Unbreakable: The HIV Movement at 45", and we hope you'll honor us by stopping at Booth #116 for some important discussions about advances in healthcare and what we can all do to continue to learn, collaborate, and strategize around HIV prevention, treatment, research and care. See you soon! #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #HIV #AIDS #2026USCHA #PublicHealth

NOWDiagnostics is closed today in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, September 8th. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and happy holiday! #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #LaborDay #PublicHealth

NOWDiagnostics will be closed on Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, September 8th. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and happy holiday! #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #LaborDay #PublicHealth

The STI Prevention Conference is in Atlanta next week, and we're excited to be there! We hope to see you there to learn and discuss how we can all work together to unite science, community, and care for STI Prevention. The conference will be from August 31 - September 2, and we'll be looking forward to having some deep discussions and meeting some new faces, as well as hopefully seeing some familiar faces too. Be sure to find us at BOOTH #8 at the conference. We can't wait to see you there! #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #STIPreventionConference2026 #PublicHealth #Syphilis

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced a $4 million initiative to expand access to rapid, point-of-care syphilis testing, with a focus on reaching women in emergency departments and other nontraditional healthcare settings. By expanding rapid testing and strengthening collaboration across sectors, HHS aims to reduce missed opportunities for diagnosis and treatment, prevent congenital syphilis, and improve health outcomes for mothers and babies. Read the full press release: bit.ly/4gxWCty #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #CongenitalSyphilis #PublicHealth #Syphilis #STIPrevention #STIAwareness #STITreatment

Need another reason to test for syphilis? How about protecting your heart? A recent study has shown that syphilis can have additional adverse cardiovascular outcomes: bit.ly/3Sx8FhJ Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally, and traditional risk factors have long been established as contributors to unhealthy heart conditions. However, it should also be recognized that chronic infections and systemic inflammation may further contribute to an individual’s risk profile. Although early syphilis is often minimally symptomatic, untreated infection may progress to tertiary stages, which have historically been linked to additional unfortunate cardiovascular complications. The best way to help yourself is to get tested, and seek treatment if you test positive for syphilis. #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #CardiovascularHealth #PublicHealth #HeartHealth #Syphilis #STIPrevention #STIAwareness #STITreatment

The STI Prevention Conference is in Atlanta at the end of this month, and we'll be there! We hope to see you there to learn and discuss how we can all work together to unite science, community, and care for STI Prevention. The conference will be from August 31 - September 2, and we'll be looking forward to having some deep discussions and meeting some new faces, as well as hopefully seeing some familiar faces too. #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #STIPreventionConference2026 #PublicHealth #Syphilis

We're in the Windy City this week for the National Reproductive Health Conference! Come by and join us at the 14th annual NRHC as the CTC-SRH celebrates two decades of empowering providers, strengthening partnerships, and advancing high-quality sexual and reproductive health care. This milestone year invites us to reflect on our collective impact and look ahead to the innovations that will shape the next 20 years. What is the NRHC? The CTC-SRH's annual National Reproductive Health Conference is the only national conference dedicated to Title X clinicians and sexual and reproductive health professionals. We can't wait to meet you and discuss these vital topics. Stop by Booth 26 and let's talk! #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #NRHC26 #PublicHealth #CTCSRH

Next week we'll be in Chicago at the National Reproductive Health Conference! Join us at the 14th annual NRHC as the CTC-SRH celebrates two decades of empowering providers, strengthening partnerships, and advancing high-quality sexual and reproductive health care. This milestone year invites us to reflect on our collective impact and look ahead to the innovations that will shape the next 20 years. What is the NRHC? The CTC-SRH's annual National Reproductive Health Conference is the only national conference dedicated to Title X clinicians and sexual and reproductive health professionals. Come out and meet us at Booth 26! #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #NRHC26 #PublicHealth #CTCSRH

Early diagnosis and proper treatment are key to combating congenital syphilis. CDC findings highlight inconsistent implementation of guidelines for evaluations and treatment of infants exposed to syphilis during pregnancy. Read the article here. Evaluations and Treatment Among Infants Exposed to Syphilis in Utero: bit.ly/4ylIryG Among infants with possible congenital syphilis, 1 out of 4 infants received other non-recommended treatment or no treatment at all, and only 30% of infants with a reactive blood test at birth received the recommended follow-up testing the first few months after birth. Increased efforts to improve education, coordination, and broader system level supports are necessary to ensure infants exposed to syphilis during pregnancy receive recommended care. #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #CongenitalSyphilis #PublicHealth #Syphilis #Diagnosis #Awareness #Treatment

Join us at the 14th annual NRHC as the CTC-SRH celebrates two decades of empowering providers, strengthening partnerships, and advancing high-quality sexual and reproductive health care. This milestone year invites us to reflect on our collective impact and look ahead to the innovations that will shape the next 20 years. What is the NRHC? The CTC-SRH's annual National Reproductive Health Conference is the only national conference dedicated to Title X clinicians and sexual and reproductive health professionals. We hope to see you in Chicago! #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #NRHC26 #PublicHealth #CTCSRH

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸 On America's 250th Birthday, we celebrate freedom, unity, and the spirit that brings us together. Wishing everyone a safe and joyful Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙 #NOWDx #IndependenceDay #FourthOfJuly #USA #USA250 #America250

It's almost here... Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸 On America's 250th Birthday, we'll celebrate freedom, unity, and the spirit that brings us together. Wishing everyone a safe and joyful Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙 #NOWDx #IndependenceDay #FourthOfJuly #USA #USA250 #America250

Today is National HIV Testing Day — a vital reminder that knowing your status is powerful. But HIV isn’t the only STI to be aware of. Syphilis cases are on the rise, and early detection saves lives. The First To Know® Syphilis Test is available in stores nationwide: • Accurate, in-home results in 15 minutes • Over-the-counter and affordable • Simple to perform Be informed. Be proactive. Be The First To Know®. Learn more: bit.ly/3SsLN2E #NOWDx #FirstToKnow #HIVTestingDay #STIAwareness #InHomeTest #PublicHealth #SyphilisTest