Texas continues to see rising rates of congenital syphilis, highlighting the continued vigilance in prenatal care. Early screening, timely diagnosis, and appropriate treatment during pregnancy are critical to preventing transmission and improving outcomes for infants.
To assist Providers in these efforts, Community First Health Plans would like to share two important resources made available by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), which has launched both a clinical consultation hotline and a continuing education training module to support Providers in preventing and managing congenital syphilis.
Congenital Syphilis Consultation Hotline:
The Congenital Syphilis Consultation Hotline is available to support Providers caring for pregnant women and infants with suspected or confirmed syphilis.
- Phone: 833-623-6327 (833-62-END-CS)
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Evening hours are expected to expand in the future
This hotline provides:
- Direct access to a nurse or physician consultant
- Case-specific clinical guidance
- Referrals to regional prevention and treatment resources
Providers are encouraged to use this resource when managing complex cases or when additional clinical support is needed.
Please refer to the Congenital Syphilis Hotline Flyer (PDF) for additional details.
Congenital Syphilis Preventing Training:
DSHS has also launched an online training module titled, Congenital Syphilis Prevention: Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment for Pregnant Women in Texas.
The training includes:
- Guidance on prenatal screening recommendations
- Diagnosis and treatment protocols
- Strategies to reduce barriers to care
- Information on health disparities impacting congenital syphilis rates in Texas
The activity is approved for 1.25 continuing education hours, including credit in the medical ethics/professional responsibility category for CME. Continuing education credits are also available for multiple disciplines, including nurses, certified health education specialists, and social workers.
Providers may review the training flyer (PDF) or visit the DSHS training website for more information.
Providers are encouraged to share this information with their staff. If you have any questions about this notice, please email Provider Relations at ProviderRelations@cfhp.com or call 210-358-6030. You can also contact your Provider Relations Representative directly.
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