Utah

Report Cards to Medical Clinics in High-Risk Zip Codes: A New Approach to Lead Testing in Utah

In 2023, the Utah Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (UCLPPP), identified a significant gap in blood lead testing among children eligible for Medicaid who live in high-risk zip codes based on homes built before 1950. Despite an average of 24,236 children aged one and two years on Medicaid each month, only 5,352 were tested for lead poisoning—leaving over 19,000 at-risk children untested or without billed tests. To address this alarming deficiency, UCLPPP took proactive measures by sending report cards to 42 area health clinics that routinely treat these vulnerable populations.

By collaborating with Utah Medicaid, UCLPPP compiled detailed report cards for each clinic, highlighting their testing performance and providing educational resources. This initiative raised awareness about the critical importance of lead testing and encouraged clinics to increase their engagement with UCLPPP; this would increase awareness among clinics about blood lead testing and reporting results. The results have been promising and have shown improved reporting practices, heightened awareness among healthcare providers about the necessity of testing at-risk children, and enhanced collaboration across programs. As UCLPPP continues its efforts, it aims to ensure that every child receives the essential lead testing they need for a healthier future.