Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)
Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) is the practice of treating sex partners of patients diagnosed with chlamydia and/or gonorrhea by providing a prescription or medications to the patient for his/her partner without a clinical examination of the partner.
Guidance
- Sex partners should be encouraged to be seen by a clinical provider, but if these individuals are unlikely to seek care in a timely manner, EPT should be prescribed
- EPT has been shown to reduce reinfection rates and increase partner treatment
- EPT is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- EPT is permissible in Washington State and is provided cost-free by the Washington State Department of Health in partner packs
- Updated guidance for DOH partner packs -- 06/19
Who is eligible?
- Heterosexual sex partners of patients diagnosed with chlamydia and/or gonorrhea exposed within the prior 60 days
- EPT is not intended for use in men who have sex with men
How do I prescribe EPT?
You can offer and provide partner management via your normal prescription process. EPT is considered best practice to prevent patient reinfection.
- New STI case report forms will be posted soon.
What medications are used for EPT?
- Chlamydia: Azithromycin 1 g PO as a single dose
- Gonorrhea: Azithromycin 1 g PO as a single dose plus Cefixime 400 mg PO as a single dose
Who is eligible for DOH Partner packs?
- Partners who are eligible for EPT and are uninsured.
where are doh partner packs available?
NOTICE: Kitsap Public Health District is temporarily pausing distibution of DOH-provided partner packs. Call 360-728-2235 for information.
What is in a partner pack?
Partner packs are available through Kitsap Public Health District.
- Partner PACK 1: for Chlamydia treatment: Azithromycin 1 gm, allergy warning (English and Spanish), condoms, and information on chlamydia.
- Partner PACK 2: for Gonorrhea treatment: Azithromycin 1 gm, cefixime 400 mg, allergy warning (English and Spanish), condoms, and information on gonorrhea.
Patient Instructions
- Instructions to Patients Taking Chlamydia Medications (PDF)
- Instructions to Patients Taking Gonorrhea Medications (PDF)
Resources
-
Washington State Department of Health EPT Website
- Washington State EPT Guidelines
- CDC 2015 STI Treatment Guidelines