STI Program

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Sexually Transmitted Infection Program works to mitigate the effects of sexually transmitted infections among Iowans. In a rural state like Iowa, the STI Program must partner with other groups, agencies, and organizations for the delivery of information and services. The STI Program has established 58 provider sites for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing and treatment. The combination of local health departments and a network of local medical providers are the system that controls these diseases.

In the State of Iowa, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and AIDS are reportable to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. By Iowa Code, both the clinician who ordered the test and the laboratory that processed the specimen are to report names and other patient demographics to Iowa HHS. This information is protected by law and cannot be released to anyone other than individuals (disease intervention specialists and county public health communicable disease investigators) who perform partner notification and partner referral. In Iowa, by law, a minor can be tested and treated for a sexually transmitted disease without parental consent. The reporting form for providers or clinics to report chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis diagnoses can be found below. 

Reporting of STIs

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 below. Other methods of reporting must be arranged with the Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) assigned to your area. There are 7 DIS at Iowa HHS 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 Iowa HHS. DIS work to ensure that persons diagnosed with the above infections are treated according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STI 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.

Iowa STI reporting form for clinicians

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STI Resources and Information

• CDC's Sexually Transmitted Infection Treatment Guidelines
• Quick Guide for the Treatment of Gonococcal Infections
• Disease Intervention Specialist Region Map
• Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)
• gettested.cdc.gov - To locate testing services near you
• American Sexual Health Association

STI Data

Check out the Iowa Public Health Tracking Portal for county-level data on chlamydia and gonorrhea. Need to request additional STI data? Please fill out this form.

Iowa Disease Surveillance Data for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis

• 2023
• 2022
• 2021

Materials Ordering System

STI/HIV Hepatitis Materials Order Form

If you are unable to access this Google form, call Shane Scharer at 515-657-1129.

Contact Information

Partner Services Field Staff (Disease Intervention Specialists)

STI Program Fax Number: 515-725-1278