Every quarter, Independence reminds Keystone Health PlanEast practitioners of the importance of testing children enrolledin the Pennsylvania Children?s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)for Elevated Blood Lead Levels (EBLL). As some of our CHIPpopulation may continue to reside in homes that place them atrisk for EBLLs, we are following up to ask that you continue totest CHIP members for EBLLs and to do so before their secondbirthday.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services(Commonwealth) and Healthcare Effectiveness Data andInformation Set (HEDIS^®) specifications state that all childrenenrolled in CHIP should receive a test for EBLLs. CHIP membersshould receive at least one lead capillary or venous blood testbefore their second birthday:

• The first test should be done between ages 9 and 12 months.
• The second test should be done prior to 24 months, andthereafter based on risk.

Identifying CHIP members

We have made it easier for your practiceto identify CHIP members by includingthe words ?PA Kids? on the front ofIndependence ID cards, as shown in thesample CHIP ID card below.

The Commonwealth states that children enrolled in CHIP should follow the same guidelines for lead testing aschildren enrolled in the Medicaid program. They should receive testing for EBLLs regardless of risk level. A riskassessment of the children?s environment should also be performed at 6 months, between 9 and 18 months, then annually from ages 3 – 6 with testing, as appropriate.

Recognizing your recommendation has tremendous influence on the parents/guardians of your pediatric patients andtheir decision to seek lead testing and screening information for their children, we are requesting your participation inensuring all CHIP members receive lead testing before their second birthdate.

Resources

The following resources provide additional information regarding lead testing recommendations:

• National Lead Poisoning Prevention
• Philadelphia Department of Public Health: 215-685-2788 (Philadelphia residents)
• National Lead Information Center: 1-800-424-LEAD (non-Philadelphia residents)
• Independence website

HEDIS is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Used with permission.