Incidence and Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy in American Indian and Alaska Native Individuals Served by the Indian Health Service, 2015-2019.

Importance: Estimates of diabetic retinopathy (DR) incidence and progression in American Indian and Alaska Native individuals are based on data from before 1992 and may not be informative for strategizing resources and practice patterns. Objective: To examine incidence and progression of DR in American Indian and Alaska Native individuals. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, and included adults with diabetes and no evidence of DR or mild nonproliferative DR (NPDR) in 2015 who were reexamined at least 1 time during the 2016 to 2019 period. The study setting was the Indian Health Service (IHS) teleophthalmology program for diabetic eye disease. Exposure: Development of new DR or worsening of mild NPDR in American Indian and Alaska Native individuals with diabetes. Main Outcomes and Measures: Outcomes were any increase in DR, 2 or more (2+) step increases, and overall change in DR severity. Patients were evaluated with nonmydriatic ultra-widefield imaging (UWFI) or nonmydriatic fundus photography (NMFP). Standard risk factors were included. Results: The total cohort of 8374 individuals had a mean (SD) age of 53.2 (12.2) years and a mean (SD) hemoglobin A1c level of 8.3% (2.2%) in 2015, and 4775 were female (57.0%). Of patients with no DR in 2015, 18.0% (1280 of 7097) had mild NPDR or worse in 2016 to 2019, and 0.1% (10 of 7097) had PDR. The incidence rate from no DR to any DR was 69.6 cases per 1000 person-years at risk. A total of 6.2% of participants (441 of 7097) progressed from no DR to moderate NPDR or worse (ie, 2+ step increase; 24.0 cases per 1000 person-years at risk). Of patients with mild NPDR in 2015, 27.2% (347 of 1277) progressed to moderate NPDR or worse in 2016 to 2019, and 2.3% (30 of 1277) progressed to severe NPDR or worse (ie, 2+ step progression). Incidence and progression were associated with expected risk factors and evaluation with UWFI. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, the estimates of DR incidence and progression were lower than those previously reported for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals. The results suggest extending the time between DR re-evaluations for certain patients in this population, if follow-up compliance and visual acuity outcomes are not jeopardized.

Health-Related Behavioral Risk Factors and Obesity Among American Indians and Alaska Natives of the United States: Assessing Variations by Indian Health Service Region.

INTRODUCTION: Health-related behavioral risk factors and obesity are linked to high risk for multiple chronic diseases. We examined the prevalence of these risk factors among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) compared with that of non-Hispanic Whites and across Indian Health Service (IHS) regions. METHODS: We used 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from participants in 50 states and the District of Columbia to assess 4 behavioral risk factors (current cigarette smoking, heavy drinking, binge drinking, and physical inactivity) and obesity. We analyzed disparities in these risk factors between AI/AN and non-Hispanic White participants, nationwide and by IHS region, by conducting log-linear regression analyses while controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS: Nationwide, crude prevalence of current smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity were significantly higher among AI/AN than non-Hispanic White participants. After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, AI/AN participants were 11% more likely to report current smoking (P < .05) and 23% more likely to report obesity (P < .001) than non-Hispanic White participants. These patterns persisted in most IHS regions with some exceptions. In the Southwest region, AI/AN participants were 39% less likely to report current smoking than non-Hispanic White participants (P < .001). In the Pacific Coast region, compared with non-Hispanic White participants, AI/AN participants were 54% less likely to report heavy drinking (P < .01) but 34% more likely to report physical inactivity (P < .05). Across IHS regions, AI/AN participants residing in Alaska and the Northern Plains regions had the highest prevalence of current smoking and binge drinking, and those in the Southwest and Pacific Coast regions had the lowest prevalence of current smoking. AI/AN participants in the Southwest region had the lowest prevalence of physical inactivity, and those in the Southern Plains region had the highest prevalence of obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study support the importance of public health efforts to address and improve behavioral risk factors related to chronic disease in AI/AN people, both nationwide and among IHS regions, through culturally appropriate interventions.

Prevalence of Diabetic Eye Diseases in American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) as Identified by the Indian Health Service's National Teleophthalmology Program Using Ultrawide Field Imaging (UWFI).

PURPOSE: Estimates of diabetic eye disease in American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) vary over time, region, and methods. This article reports recent prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) in AI/AN served by the Indian Health Services' (IHS) teleophthalmology program, as identified using ultrawide field imaging (UWFI). METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 2016-2019 clinical data (n = 53,900). UWF images were acquired by certified imagers using a validated protocol, and graded by licensed, certified optometrists supervised by an ophthalmologist. Graders evaluated the extent/severity of retinal lesions in comparison to standard photographs. DR lesions predominantly in any peripheral field were considered "predominantly peripheral lesions" (PPL). The analyses calculated prevalence of any DR, any DME, DR and DME severity, sight-threatening disease, and PPL. RESULTS: Patients averaged 56 years of age with a 68 mmol/mol A1c and 55% had had diabetes for 5+ years. Prevalence of any DR, any DME, and sight-threatening disease was 28.6%, 3.0%, and 3.0%. In patients with mild nonproliferative DR, PPL was seen in 25.3%. PPL suggested a more severe level of DR in 8.7% of patients. DR increased with age. DME decreased with age. Males and patients in the Nashville IHS area had more diabetic eye disease. CONCLUSION: AI/AN have a high burden of diabetes and its complications. The IHS is resource-constrained, making accurate disease estimates necessary for resource allocation and budget justifications to Congress. These data update the estimates of diabetic eye disease in Indian Country and suggest that UWFI identifies early DR.

Lower respiratory tract infection hospitalizations among American Indian/Alaska Native adults, Indian Health Service and Alaska Region, 1998-2014.

OBJECTIVES: This study describes the changes in lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) rates from 1998 to 2014 among hospitalized American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults residing in Alaska and other Indian Health Service (IHS) regions. METHODS: Age-adjusted hospital discharge rates and rate ratios were calculated from the IHS Direct and Contract Health Services Inpatient Dataset, IHS National Patient Information Reporting System for AI/AN adults ≥18 years, hospitalized at an IHS-operated, tribally operated, or contract hospital with an LRTI-associated diagnosis during 1998-2014. RESULTS: Overall, there were 13 733 LRTI-associated hospitalizations in Alaska (1998-2014), with an age-adjusted rate of 13.7/1000 adults. Among non-Alaska (non-AK) AI/AN, there were a total of 79 170 hospitalizations, with a rate of 8.6/1000 adults. In the pre-PCV7 and pre-PCV13 periods, LRTI rates were higher in Alaska (AK) AI/AN (12.4 and 14.1, respectively) when compared to non-AK AI/AN (10.1 and 9.1, respectively) (P < 0.0001). In the post-PCV7 and post-PCV13 periods, LRTI rates were also higher in AK (13.5 and 15.0, respectively) compared to non-AK (9.2 and 7.3, respectively) (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Over the study period, a 26% increase in rates of LRTI among adult AI/AN residing in AK compared with a 38% decrease in rates among AI/AN residing in non-AK were observed. This disparity is likely due to a variety of factors such as tobacco use, crowding, etc. Strategies to reduce LRTI in AI/AN adults are needed.

Electronic Health Record Reminders for Chlamydia Screening in an American Indian Population.

OBJECTIVES: Indian Health Service (IHS) screening rates for Chlamydia trachomatis are lower than national rates of chlamydia screening in the Southwest. We describe and evaluate the effect of a public health intervention consisting of electronic health record (EHR) reminders to alert health care providers to screen for chlamydia at an IHS facility. We also conducted an awareness presentation among health care providers on chlamydia screening. METHODS: We conducted our intervention from November 1, 2013, through October 31, 2015, at an IHS facility in the Southwest. We implemented algorithms that queried database values to assess chlamydia screening performance in 6 clinical departments. We presented data on the screening performance of clinical departments and health care providers (de-identified) in the awareness presentations. We re-queried database values 1 and 2 years after implementation of the EHR reminder intervention to evaluate before-and-after screening rates, comparing data among all patients and among female patients only. RESULTS: We found small, sustained relative increases in chlamydia screening rates during the 2012-2015 evaluation period: 20.8% pre-intervention to 24.9% and 24.2% one and two years postintervention, respectively, across all patients; 32.3% preintervention to 36.6% and 35.6% one and two years postintervention, respectively, among female patients. Increases in clinical department-specific screening rates varied and were most prominent in internal medicine (35.8% preintervention to peak 65.8% postintervention). The 1 clinic (obstetrics-gynecology) that did not receive an awareness presentation showed a consistent downward trend in screening rates, although absolute rates were consistently higher in that clinic than in other clinics. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness presentations that offer feedback to health care providers on screening performance, heighten provider awareness of the importance of chlamydia screening, and promote development of novel provider-initiated screening protocols may help to increase screening rates when combined with EHR reminders.

The Indian Health Service Primary Care-Based Teleophthalmology Program for Diabetic Eye Disease Surveillance and Management.

Background: Historically, fewer than half of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) with diabetes received the annual diabetic retinopathy (DR) examination that is considered the minimum standard of care; this rate is similar to that of the general United States (U.S.) population with diabetes. Solution: The Indian Health Service-Joslin Vision Network (IHS-JVN) Teleophthalmology Program in 2000 to increase compliance with DR standards of care among AI/AN through validated, primary care-based telemedicine. The IHS-JVN provides remote diagnosis of DR severity, with a report including management recommendations that is returned to the patient's primary care provider. The program conforms with the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) Practice Guidelines for Ocular Telehealth-Diabetic Retinopathy. Outcomes: The IHS-JVN has been expanding incrementally since the first patients were recruited in 2000; this expansion coincides with large improvements in the annual DR examination rates reported as part of local, regional, and national regulatory compliance under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). Currently, with 99 clinical implementations in 23 states, IHS-JVN is the largest primary care-based ATA validation category three telemedicine program in the U.S. Summary: This article describes the program's workflow, imaging and reading technologies, diagnostic protocols, reports to providers, training, quality assurance processes, and geographical distribution. In addition to its clinical use, the program has been utilized in research on utilization of diabetic eye care, cost-effectiveness, technology development, and DR epidemiology of the AI/AN population. Potential next steps for this program are discussed.

Hand Surgery in Underserved Populations in the United States: The Author's Experience with the Navajo at the Gallup and Chinle Indian Health Service Hospitals.

Even in the most affluent country in the world there are many underserved population groups with limited or no access to health care. This article shares my experience with hand surgery volunteering with the Indian health service at Gallup, New Mexico and Chinle, Arizona. Although it has nuances with respect to logistics and challenges with regard to resources, the rewards of helping the patients in need has been among the best experiences of my career. I encourage anyone to consider domestic outreach because it reminds us of why we went to medical school.

Using Tribal Data Linkages to Improve the Quality of American Indian Cancer Data in Michigan.

This study examines the extent to which data linkages between Indian Health Service, tribal data, and cancer registries affect cancer incidence rates among American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) in Michigan. The incidence of tobacco- and alcohol-associated cancers for 1995-2012 was analyzed to compare rates of the Upper Peninsula (UP) and Lower Peninsula (LP) in Michigan and among AI/ANs and non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs). Complete linkage resulted in 1,352 additional AI/AN cases; 141 cases were linked via IHS records alone, while 373 were linked via tribal records alone; 838 were linked through both IHS and tribal records. Age-adjusted incidence rates for AI/ANs increased from 214.39 per 100,000 to 405.41 per 100,000, similar to that of NHWs after complete linkage (421.46 per 100,000). In the UP, AI/ANs had age-adjusted incidence rates 1.67 times higher than NHWs (596.69 per 100,000 vs. 356.32 per 100,000 respectively). This study indicates a substantial number of AI/AN cancer cases remain misclassified in Michigan.

Hepatitis C in pregnant American Indian and Alaska native women; 2003-2015.

Recent reports have found a rise in Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in reproductive age women in the USA. Surveillance data suggests one group that is at increased risk of HCV infection is the American Indian and Alaska Native population (AI/AN). Using the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) birth certificate and the Indian Health Services, Tribal, and Urban Indian (IHS) databases, we evaluated reported cases of HCV infection in pregnant women between 2003 and 2015. In the NCHS database, 38 regions consistently reported HCV infection. The percentage of mothers who were known to have HCV infection increased between 2011 and 2015 in both the AI/AN population (0.57% to 1.19%, p < 0.001) and the non-AI/AN population (0.21% to 0.36%, p < 0.001). The IHS database confirmed these results. Individuals with hepatitis B infection or intravenous drug use (IDU) had significantly higher odds of HCV infection (OR 16.4 and 17.6, respectively). In total, 62% of HCV-positive women did not have IDU recorded. This study demonstrates a significant increase in the proportion of pregnant women infected with HCV between 2003 and 2015. This increase was greater in AI/AN women than non-AI/AN women. This highlights the need for HCV screening and prevention in pregnant AI/AN women.

Feasibility of a Systems Approach to Treat Commercial Tobacco Dependence within American Indian Health Clinics.

American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) have the highest smoking prevalence, smoking-related disease, and mortality rates of any racial or ethnic group. Three AI health clinics in Minnesota implemented an evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment intervention that included provider education and customized clinical system tools. A baseline assessment of each clinic facility guided the focus of the intervention and tailored the clinical system tools. Clinic staff were assessed with pre/post-training evaluations and annual assessments. Results indicated self-reported improvements in the rate of identifying smoking status (57% to 89%), documenting smoking status (from 60% to 80%), and providing evidence-based treatments such as pharmacotherapy (from 36% to 78%).

Improving cancer care for American Indians with cervical cancer in the Indian Health Service (IHS) system - Navigation may not be enough.

OBJECTIVES: Patient navigation programs have been shown to positively impact cancer outcomes for minority populations. Little is known regarding the effects of these programs on American Indian (AI) populations. The purpose of this study is to characterize the impact of a patient navigation program on AI cervical cancer patients at a tertiary care center. METHODS: A retrospective review of all AI cervical cancer patients receiving navigation services and a cohort of AI patients treated prior to navigation services was performed. Additional comparisons were made between those with and without Indian Health Service (IHS) funding. Summary statistics were used to describe demographic, clinical characteristics, treatment, and survivorship across groups. RESULTS: Of 55 patients identified, 34 received navigation and 21 did not. In navigated patients, median age was 46years (27-80years) compared with 42years (17-68years) in pre-navigation patients (p=0.53). There was no difference between stage at diagnosis (p=0.73). No difference was noted in treatment received between groups (p=0.48). Distance traveled for treatment between groups did not differ (p=0.46). Median time to initiation of treatment was not different between groups, 30.5days vs. 27.5days (p=0.18). Among patients with IHS funding, navigation services did not alter time to initiation of treatment (p=0.57), and there was no difference in completion of prescribed therapy between groups (92% navigated vs 100% pre-navigation). CONCLUSIONS: Navigation services for AI cervical cancer patients did not alter initiation or completion of treatment. Navigation programs may provide less tangible benefits to AI cervical cancer patients and further study is warranted.

Indian Health Service Care System and Cancer Stage in American Indians and Alaska Natives.

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine whether the association between late-stage cancer and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) race differed by enrollment in the Indian Health Service Care System (IHSCS). METHODS: We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data linked to Medicare files to compare the odds of late-stage breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer between non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs) (n=285,993) and AI/ANs with (n=581) and without (n=543) IHSCS enrollment. RESULTS: For AI/ANs without IHSCS enrollment, the odds of late-stage disease were higher in AI/ANs compared with NHWs for breast (OR=3.17, 95%CI: 1.82-5.53) and for prostate (OR=2.59, 95%CI:1.55-4.32) cancer, but not for colorectal or lung cancers. Among AI/ANs with IHSCS enrollment, there was not a significant association between late-stage disease and AI/AN race for any of the four cancers evaluated. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that enrollment in the IHSCS reduced the disparity between AI/ANs and NHWs with respect to late-stage cancer diagnoses.

Medicare Program; Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System and Policy Changes and Fiscal Year 2018 Rates; Quality Reporting Requirements for Specific Providers; Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program Requirements for Eligible Hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals, and Eligible Professionals; Provider-Based Status of Indian Health Service and Tribal Facilities and Organizations; Costs Reporting and Provider Requirements; Agreement Termination Notices. Final rule.

We are revising the Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment systems (IPPS) for operating and capital-related costs of acute care hospitals to implement changes arising from our continuing experience with these systems for FY 2018. Some of these changes implement certain statutory provisions contained in the Pathway for Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Reform Act of 2013, the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, the 21st Century Cures Act, and other legislation. We also are making changes relating to the provider-based status of Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal facilities and organizations and to the low-volume hospital payment adjustment for hospitals operated by the IHS or a Tribe. In addition, we are providing the market basket update that will apply to the rate-of-increase limits for certain hospitals excluded from the IPPS that are paid on a reasonable cost basis subject to these limits for FY 2018. We are updating the payment policies and the annual payment rates for the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for inpatient hospital services provided by long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) for FY 2018. In addition, we are establishing new requirements or revising existing requirements for quality reporting by specific Medicare providers (acute care hospitals, PPS-exempt cancer hospitals, LTCHs, and inpatient psychiatric facilities). We also are establishing new requirements or revising existing requirements for eligible professionals (EPs), eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals (CAHs) participating in the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs. We are updating policies relating to the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program, the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, and the Hospital-Acquired Condition (HAC) Reduction Program. We also are making changes relating to transparency of accrediting organization survey reports and plans of correction of providers and suppliers; electronic signature and electronic submission of the Certification and Settlement Summary page of the Medicare cost reports; and clarification of provider disposal of assets.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake: Increase for American Indian Adolescents, 2013-2015.

INTRODUCTION: Although Indian Health Service, tribally-operated, and urban Indian (I/T/U) healthcare facilities have higher human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series initiation and completion rates among adolescent patients aged 13-17 years than the general U.S. population, challenges remain. I/T/U facilities have lower coverage for HPV vaccine first dose compared with coverage for other adolescent vaccines, and HPV vaccine series completion rates are lower than initiation rates. Researchers aimed to assist I/T/U facilities in identifying interventions to increase HPV vaccination series initiation and completion rates. STUDY DESIGN: Best practice and intervention I/T/U healthcare facilities were identified based on baseline adolescent HPV vaccine coverage data. Healthcare professionals were interviewed about barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccination. Researchers used responses and evidence-based practices to identify and assist facilities in implementing interventions to increase adolescent HPV vaccine series initiation and completion. Coverage and interview data were collected from June 2013 to June 2015; data were analyzed in 2015. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: I/T/U healthcare facilities located within five Indian Health Service regions. INTERVENTION: Interventions included analyzing and providing feedback on facility vaccine coverage data, educating providers about HPV vaccine, expanding access to HPV vaccine, and establishing or expanding reminder recall and education efforts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Impact of evidence-based strategies and best practices to support HPV vaccination. RESULTS: Mean baseline first dose coverage with HPV vaccine at best practice facilities was 78% compared with 46% at intervention facilities. Mean third dose coverage was 48% at best practice facilities versus 19% at intervention facilities. Intervention facilities implemented multiple low-cost, evidence-based strategies and best practices to increase vaccine coverage. At baseline, most facilities used electronic provider reminders, had standing orders in place for administering HPV vaccine, and administered tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis and HPV vaccines during the same visit. At intervention sites, mean coverage for HPV initiation and completion increased by 24% and 22%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A tailored multifaceted approach addressing vaccine delivery processes and patient and provider education may increase HPV vaccine coverage.

Cancer Treatment Delays in American Indians and Alaska Natives Enrolled in Medicare.

To assess whether timing of initial post-diagnosis cancer care differs between American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients, we accessed SEER-Medicare data for breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers (2001-2007). Medicare claims data were examined for initiation of cancer-directed treatment. Overall, AI/ANs experienced longer median times to starting treatment than NHWs (45 and 39 days, p < .001) and lower rates of treatment initiation (HR[95%CI]: 0.86[0.79-0.93]). Differences were largest for prostate (HR: 0.80[0.71-0.89]) and smallest for breast cancer (HR: 0.96[0.83-1.11]). American Indians / Alaska Natives also had elevated odds of greater than 10 weeks between diagnosis and treatment compared with NHWs (OR[95% CI]: 1.37[1.16-1.63]), especially for prostate cancer (OR: 1.41[1.14-1.76]). Adjustment for comorbidity and socio-demographic factors attenuated associations except for prostate cancer. In this insured population, we observed evidence that AI/ANs start cancer therapy later than NHWs. The modest magnitude of delays suggests that they are unlikely to be a determinant of survival disparities.

Managing CKD by Telemedicine: The Zuni Telenephrology Clinic.

Telemedicine has significant potential to extend nephrology consultation to rural and isolated communities. We describe a telenephrology clinic that has delivered ongoing consultative care from a nephrologist based at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, to the Zuni Comprehensive Health Center in western New Mexico. Over the past 9 years, the clinic has conducted 1870 patient visits managing patients using a collaborative approach engaging a nurse case manager, nephrologist, primary clinicians, pharmacists, and community health nurses. A significant proportion of the care provided is directed toward patients with advanced kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2). Although there are unique aspects to the Indian Health Service and to the Zuni community which is served by this clinic, this telemedicine clinic does serve as a demonstration that nephrologic consultative care can be delivered effectively and efficiently to rural high-risk communities using a collaborative and integrated model of care.

Birth Cohort Testing for Hepatitis C Virus - Indian Health Service 2012-2015.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a substantial and largely unrecognized public health problem. An estimated 3.5 million persons in the United States are currently living with HCV infection, at least half of whom are unaware of their infection (1-3). Persons born during 1945-1965 (the "baby boomer" birth cohort) have a sixfold higher prevalence (2.6%) than adults of other ages, and represent 81% of all persons chronically infected with HCV (4). Therefore, in addition to recommending testing for all persons at risk for HCV infection, CDC and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend one-time HCV testing for the birth cohort (5,6). Compared with the national average, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons have approximately twofold the rate of acute HCV incidence and HCV associated mortality (2). In June 2012, the Indian Health Service (IHS) implemented HCV testing in the 1945-1965 birth cohort and created a nationally standardized performance measure to monitor implementation of the recommendation. As of June 2015, the proportion of the birth cohort screened for HCV increased from a baseline of 7.9% (14,402/182,503) to 32.5% (68,514/211,014) among the AI/AN population served by IHS nationwide; provider training and the use of clinical decision tools were associated with increases in HCV testing. With this fourfold increase in testing in just 3 years, IHS needs to prepare for the challenges associated with increased identification of persons living with HCV infection.

Identification and Clinical Management of Persons with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection - Cherokee Nation, 2012-2015.

An estimated 3.5 million persons in the United States are living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, resulting in approximately 20,000 deaths each year, primarily from cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (1,2). American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations have the highest incidence of acute HCV infection among all U.S. racial/ethnic groups and are at greater risk for HCV-related mortality compared with the general population (3). In 2013, new antiviral drugs became available that make possible 8-12 week treatment regimens with fewer adverse events and are able to achieve sustained virologic response (SVR) in >90% of treated patients (4), equivalent to a cure of HCV infection. Also of note, HCV testing recommendations were expanded in 2012 by CDC and in 2013 by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to include one-time testing of persons born during 1945-1965 (the "baby boomer" cohort) in addition to anyone at increased risk for HCV infection (5,6). Given the availability of new HCV drugs, expanded testing recommendations, and high incidence of HCV infection in AI/AN populations, in October 2012, Cherokee Nation Health Services (CNHS) implemented a tribal HCV testing policy.* As part of the policy, CNHS added a reminder in the electronic health record (EHR) for clinical decision support and provided HCV education to primary care clinicians. From October 2012 to July 2015, among 92,012 persons with at least one CNHS clinic encounter, the cumulative number who received HCV screening for the first time increased from 3,337 (3.6%) to 16,772 (18.2%). The largest percentage of HCV screening was among persons born during 1945-1965. Of 715 persons who tested positive for HCV antibodies, 488 (68.3%) were tested for HCV RNA; among those 488 persons, 388 (79.5%) were RNA positive and were thus confirmed to have chronic HCV infection. Treatment was initiated for 223 (57.5%) of the 388 with chronic infection; 201 (90.1%) completed treatment, of whom 180 (89.6%) achieved SVR. CNHS has successfully increased HCV testing and treatment and is now collaborating with CDC and other external partners to develop an HCV elimination program for the Cherokee Nation that might serve as a model for similar settings.

Increased Gonorrhea Screening and Case Finding After Implementation of Expanded Screening Criteria-Urban Indian Health Service Facility in Phoenix, Arizona, 2011-2013.

BACKGROUND: Gonorrhea screening is recommended for women at risk and men who have sex with men; expanded screening is encouraged based on local epidemiology. In response to a substantial increase in gonorrhea cases at an urban medical center serving American Indians, gonorrhea screening of all sexually active patients aged 14 to 45 years was initiated in March 2013. We describe gonorrhea screening coverage and case finding before and after implementation of expanded screening. METHODS: In March 2013, provider training, electronic health record prompts, and bundled laboratory orders were implemented to facilitate gonorrhea screening of all sexually active patients aged 14 to 45 years. We assessed the proportions of patients screened and testing positive for gonorrhea in the 2 years before (March 2011-February 2012 [indicated as 2011], March 2012-February 2013 [2012]) and 1 year after (March 2013-February 2014 [2013]) expanded screening measures. RESULTS: Gonorrhea screening coverage increased from 22% (2012) to 38% (2013); coverage increased 50% among females and 202% among males. Screening coverage increased in nearly all clinics. Gonorrhea case finding increased 68% among females in 2013 (n = 104) compared with 2012 (n = 62), primarily among women aged 25 to 29 years. No corresponding increase in gonorrhea case finding occurred among males. Most increased case finding occurred in the emergency department. CONCLUSIONS: After introduction of expanded gonorrhea screening, there was a significant increase in gonorrhea screening coverage and a subsequent increase in gonorrhea case finding among females. Despite increased screening in all clinics, increased case finding only occurred in the emergency department.