All PlansCoverageMedium impact

23-643m Prioritize Bicillin® L-A to Treat Syphilis in Pregnant Persons Until Q4 2023

Q: Who is affected by this change?

This affects Health Net Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, OB-GYN, Infectious Disease, Pediatrics providers in CA on All Plans plans.

Health Net·CA · Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, OB-GYN +2 more·Pharmacy

Effective date

Not stated

We identified it

Jun 20, 2026

Days to comply

—

Summary

Due to a Bicillin L-A shortage lasting until Q4 2023, providers must prioritize this medication for pregnant patients with syphilis and use doxycycline as an alternative treatment for non-pregnant adults. This affects treatment protocols and potentially impacts billing for syphilis-related visits and medications.

Action Required

Action needed

Immediately: Clinical staff must prioritize Bicillin L-A for pregnant patients with syphilis and prescribe doxycycline (100mg twice daily for 14-28 days) for non-pregnant adults. Update treatment protocols in EMR templates. Contact local health department for Bicillin L-A shortage issues or STD Clinical Consultation Network at 510-620-3400 for clinical questions.

Related policy hubs

Health Net policies CA policy changes Family Medicine Internal Medicine OB-GYN Infectious Disease Pediatrics