Reporting of STIs

Reporting Guidelines 

The following infections are reportable in Iowa:

• Chlamydia (for all anatomic sites)
• Gonorrhea (for all anatomic sites)
• Syphilis

Medical providers who make these diagnoses and laboratories who find positive results for these infections are required to report. Many laboratories now have automated processes (e.g., Electronic Laboratory Reporting) to report their results. A March 2021 update to the reporting requirements for serological syphilis results (that requires reporting of reactive and non-reactive results) can be found here. The technology for automated reporting from medical providers is not fully developed at this time.

The most common method of reporting by medical providers is by completing the form titled, “Iowa Confidential Report of Sexually Transmitted Infection – Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis”. The form may be faxed in to the number located at the bottom of the form. PDF versions of this form may be found here.

Other methods of reporting must be arranged with the Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) assigned to your area. There are 7 DIS at IDPH who cover regions in Iowa (exception – providers in Polk, Linn, Scott, and Black Hawk counties may work directly with their county health department).

DIS perform treatment verification for persons diagnosed with gonorrhea or infectious syphilis. Treatment is an important part of the medical provider’s report to IDPH. DIS work to ensure that persons diagnosed with the above infections are treated according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Treatment Guidelines.

DIS offer partner services to persons diagnosed with infectious syphilis or HIV.

DIS are available to assist you in contacting patients that are difficult to reach to ensure they are aware of their diagnosis and have received adequate treatment.

For questions related to reporting, please contact any of the following individuals: the DIS assigned to your region; Katy Hernandez, STI Data Coordinator (515) 281-3031; or George Walton, STI Program Manager at (515) 240-1143.