HAB HIV Core Clinical Performance Measures: 

Adult/Adolescent Clients Group 2

Performance Measure: HIV Risk Counseling 

OPR-Related Measure: Yes 

www.hrsa.gov/performancereview/meas

ures.htm 

Percentage of clients with HIV infection who received HIV risk counseling1 within the measurement year 

Numerator: Number of HIV-infected clients, as part of their primary care, who received HIV risk 

counseling 

Denominator: 

Number of HIV-infected clients who had a medical visit with a provider with prescribing 

privileges2 at least once in the measurement year 

Patient 

Exclusions: None 

Data Element: 

1. Is the client HIV-infected? (Y/N) 

a. If yes, did the client receive HIV risk counseling at least once during 

the measurement year with appropriate feedback to the provider?(Y/N) 

Data Sources: 

• Electronic Medical Record/Electronic Health Record 

• CAREWare, Lab Tracker, or other electronic data base 

• Medical record data abstraction by grantee of a sample of records 

National Goals, 

Targets, or 

Benchmarks 

for 

Comparison: 

None available at this time 

Outcome 

Measures for 

Consideration: 

o Incidence of new HIV infection 

o Incidence of STD cases in clinic population 

o Rates of substance abuse counseling and referrals 

Basis for Selection and Placement in Group 2: 

Reducing transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States requires new strategies, 

including emphasis on prevention of transmission by HIV-infected persons. Through ongoing attention to 

prevention, risky sexual and needle sharing behaviors among persons with HIV infection can be reduced and 

transmission of HIV infection prevented. Medical care providers can substantially affect HIV transmission by 

screening their HIV-infected patients for risk behaviors; communicating prevention messages; discussing 

sexual and drug-use behavior; positively reinforcing changes to safer behavior; referring patients for 

services such as substance abuse treatment; facilitating partner notification, counseling, and testing; and 

identifying and treating other sexually transmitted diseases.3 

Measure reflects important aspect of care that impacts HIV-related morbidity and focuses on treatment 

decisions that affect a sizable population. Measure has a strong evidence base supporting the use. 

US Public Health Guidelines: 

August 1, 2008 Page 11 
HAB HIV Core Clinical Performance Measures: 

Adult/Adolescent Clients Group 2

"HIV-infected patients should be screened for behaviors associated with HIV transmission by using a 

straightforward, nonjudgmental approach. This should be done at the initial visit and subsequent routine visits 

or periodically, as the clinician feels necessary, but at a minimum of yearly. Any indication of risky behavior 

should prompt a more thorough assessment of HIV transmission risks." 4 (7/18/03) 

References/Notes: 

1

HIV risk counseling includes assessment of risk, counseling and as necessary, referrals. Counseling occurs 

in the context of comprehensive medical care and can be provided by any member of the multidisciplinary 

primary care team. 

2

A “provider with prescribing privileges” is a health care professional who is certified in their jurisdiction to 

prescribe ARV therapy. 

3

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Incorporating HIV prevention into the medical care of persons 

living with HIV: recommendations of CDC, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the National 

Institutes of Health, and the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 

MMWR 2003;52 (No. RR-12) (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5212.pdf or 

http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/ContentFiles/HIVPreventionInMedCare_TB.pdf) 

4

Ibid 

August 1, 2008 Page 12