Improved Childhood Blood Lead Screening in Rhode Island

In November 2000, Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) and the Rhode Island Department of Health formed a partnership designed to facilitate sharing of childhood blood lead level data. MCOs in Rhode Island are required to assure that at least 80 percent of all 18-month-old children enrolled in their plan are screened for lead poisoning. A workgroup was formed consisting of representatives from the Department Lead Program and MCOs. The mutual goal was to improve the ability to determine which children have been screened and thus be positioned to formulate strategies to screen the remaining children who were eligible for screening but were not tested. This initiative is part of an overall prevention strategy and promotes Early, Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) of lead poisoning in children of up to 30 months of age who live in Rhode Island.

The main objective of this program is to enhance blood lead screening rates of children who are enrolled in all major managed care plans in Rhode Island.

Prior to the collaborative intervention in November 2000, 82.5 percent of children were screened for lead poisoning by 30 months of age. Seven months later, the lead poisoning screening rate for children up to 30 months of age was 87 percent. These results highlight the importance establishing and maintaining effective strategic partnerships.