Are Pap smears medically necessary?

Consistent with guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Aetna considers annual cervical cancer screening with conventional or liquid-based Papanicolaou (Pap) smears a medically necessary preventive service for …

At what age can I stop getting a Pap smear?

65
Pap smears typically continue throughout a woman’s life, until she reaches the age of 65, unless she has had a hysterectomy. If so, she no longer needs Pap smears unless it is done to test for cervical or endometrial cancer).

How can you prevent Pap smear?

Cervical cancer can often be prevented by having regular screenings with Pap tests and HPV tests to find any precancers and treat them. It can also be prevented by receiving the HPV vaccine.

Is colposcopy covered by insurance?

Typical costs: For patients covered by health insurance, typical out-of-pocket costs would include a doctor visit copay and coinsurance of 10 to 50 percent for the procedure — and, if a biopsy is done, a laboratory copay. A colposcopy typically would be covered by health insurance.

At what age does a woman no longer need a pelvic exam?

Women over age 65 can stop getting screened if they’ve had at least three consecutive negative Pap tests or at least two negative HPV tests within the previous 10 years, according to the guidelines. But women who have a history of a more advanced precancer diagnosis should continue to be screened for at least 20 years.

How do you take care of your cervix?

Ways to Keep your Cervix Healthy

1. Get Tested. Many women don’t realize how important having a regular Pap smear can be in preventing cervical cancer.
2. Be Proactive. Occasionally Pap smears can come back abnormal but many women fail to follow-up on results or proceed with treatment.
3. Practice Safe Sex.
4. Get Vaccinated.

What is the average out of pocket cost for a colposcopy?

For patients not covered by health insurance, a colposcopy typically costs about $100 -$500 or more, with an additional $200 -$300 laboratory fee if a biopsy is done as part of the procedure — for a total of $500 -$600 or more if the procedure is done in an office setting.