How to Prescribe Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) for Sexually Transmitted Infections
Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) is the clinical practice of treating sex partners of patients diagnosed with certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – including chlamydia (CT), gonorrhea (GC), and trichomoniasis – without the health care provider first examining the partner(s). EPT usually involves patient delivered partner therapy (PDPT), in which the patient delivers the medication or a prescription to their partner(s). While evaluating the partner and providing other needed health services would be ideal, this is often not feasible. EPT can be provided confidentially; it is effective, safe, acceptable to patients and partners, and helps to ensure timely partner treatment.
This resource contains information on how to prescribe EPT in California, including sample prescriptions, information on billing/reimbursement, and patient-facing materials.
For more information on EPT and why it should be prescribed, see “Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) for Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Resource for California Health Care Providers – What is EPT and Why Should I Prescribe It?”