Healthcare Providers

Cases of mpox have declined since peaking in August 2022, but the outbreak is not over. CDC continues to receive reports of cases that reflect ongoing community transmission in the U.S. and internationally, including clusters of cases in Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco that occurred in the spring and summer.

CDC is urging clinicians to be on alert for new cases of mpox and to encourage vaccination for people at risk. If mpox is suspected, test even if the patient was previously vaccinated or had mpox. Clinicians should also refamiliarize themselves with mpox symptoms, specimen collection, laboratory testing procedures, and treatment options.

If you are evaluating a patient suspected to have mpox, immediately report the suspected case to the local health department (LHD) using the Confidential Morbidity Report Portal (Epi-1) or telephone, even if testing is being conducted at a commercial laboratory.

Testing

Commercial laboratory testing for mpox is available. VDH encourages providers to use commercial laboratories, but this testing is not free. The laboratories will bill private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare for all testing performed. Providers may find the relevant CPT code for mpox virus testing on each commercial laboratory’s website. Providers who encounter any issues while trying to order testing should contact the laboratory’s client services.

Public health testing through the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) continues to be available at no cost for patients who meet clinical and epidemiologic criteria; providers should consult with their LHD about this testing.

Labs Conducting Testing and Supporting Information

Clinician Outreach

Last updated: August 16, 2023

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