Some of our Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) population may reside in homes that place them at risk for Elevated Blood Lead Levels (EBLL); therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to remind your practice how to identify our CHIP members so you can evaluate the need for testing.

During 2013, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department reiterated to health plans the importance of increasing rates for lead testing among CHIP members. IBC shared with practitioners the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) updated recommendation for prevention of lead poisoning and a new reference level of 5µg/dL to identify children and environments associated with lead-exposure hazards.

In accordance with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS^®) specification, all children currently enrolled in the CHIP program should receive a test for EBLL. Children who are enrolled in CHIP follow the same guidelines for lead testing as children who are enrolled in the Medicaid program; therefore, they should receive at least one lead capillary or venous blood test on or before their second birthday.

Identifying CHIP members

All CHIP members are issued an IBC member ID card with the words "PA KIDS" written on the front. See the sample CHIP ID card below.

What practices can do: Lead testing vs. screening

Lead testing is described as one or more lead capillaryor venous blood test for lead poisoning administered bya child's second birthday. Lead screening is describedas an assessment or questionnaire regarding a child'shealth or living environment. While the terminologies aresometimes used interchangeably, lead screening is notthe same as lead testing.

Practitioners are asked to test children enrolled in theCHIP program between ages 9 to 12 months and againat 24 months and thereafter based on risk. All CHIPmembers should be tested for EBLL regardless of risklevel. A risk assessment should be performed starting at6 months, then again at 9 and 18 months, then annuallyfrom ages 3 — 6 with testing as appropriate.

Your personal recommendation has tremendousinfluence on the parents/guardians of your pediatricpatients and their decision to seek lead testinginformation for their children. Therefore, we respectfullyask for your practice's participation in ensuring that allCHIP members receive lead testing as appropriate.

The following resources provide additional informationregarding lead testing recommendations: