What You Should Know About Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)
By Natalie Catalano, Chief of Clinical Operations at Adagio Health
What is Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)?
EPT allows doctors and other healthcare providers to give medication or prescriptions to the sexual partners of people diagnosed with certain Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) without requiring those partners to come in for a medical visit. This is especially helpful when a partner is unlikely or unable to get checked by a healthcare provider.
The Expedited Partner Therapy Act, signed by Governor Tom Wolf in 2022, officially went into effect in February 2023. It’s designed to help stop the spread of STIs and make it easier for people to protect the health of their partners and themselves.
Why does this matter?
Studies show that EPT helps prevent reinfection, which means it keeps people from passing the infection back and forth. Recently, recommendations have changed around treating the partners of women diagnosed with Bacterial Vaginosis, which is why we, at Adagio Health, are making sure you know what all your options are.
How does it work?
- If someone is diagnosed with an STI and their partner can’t or won’t seek care, the provider can still offer medication or write a prescription for that partner.
- The prescription may simply say “Expedited Partner Therapy” or “EPT” if the partner’s name isn’t available.
- Pharmacists are allowed to fill these prescriptions without needing the partner’s name, and they are required to include clear directions, along with information on possible side effects.
If you or your partner may have been exposed to an STI or you’ve been diagnosed and want to discuss EPT – we’re here for you. Our team provides confidential testing, treatment, and guidance on whether EPT is right for you. Find an Adagio Health location near you or call 1-800-215-7494 to schedule an appointment today.
