The percentage of children 2 years of age who had one or more capillary or venous lead blood test for lead poisoning by their second birthday.
Why It Matters
Exposure to lead can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, as well as intellectual and behavioral deficits.1 Because children who are exposed to lead often have no obvious symptoms, lead poisoning often goes unrecognized.1
Screening for lead is an easy way to detect an abnormal blood lead level in children. There is no safe blood lead level.2 If not found early, exposure to lead and high blood lead levels can lead to irrevocable effects on a child’s physical and mental health.
Results – National Averages
Lead Screening Rate
| Measure Year | Medicaid HMO |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 59.4 |
| 2021 | 62.3 |
| 2020 | 68.3 |
| 2019 | 70.0 |
| 2018 | 69.6 |
| 2017 | 68.9 |
| 2016 | 67.6 |
| 2015 | 66.5 |
| 2014 | 66.8 |
| 2013 | 66.5 |
| 2012 | 67.5 |
| 2011 | 67.8 |
| 2010 | 66.2 |
| 2009 | 66.4 |
| 2008 | 66.7 |
This State of Healthcare Quality Report classifies health plans differently than NCQA’s Quality Compass. HMO corresponds to All LOBs (excluding PPO and EPO) within Quality Compass. PPO corresponds to PPO and EPO within Quality Compass.
Figures do not account for changes in the underlying measure that could break trending. Contact Information Products via my.ncqa.org for analysis that accounts for trend breaks.
References
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “About Lead-Based Paint.” http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/healthy_homes/healthyhomes/lead
- CDC. 2009. Last updated July 12, 2013. “National Biomonitoring Program Factsheet—Lead.” CDC. 2013. “Blood Lead Levels in Children Aged 1–5 Years—United States, 1999–2010.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) 62(13); 245–48.