The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) routinely publishes recommendations for care on a variety of topics in the practice area of OB/Gyn. Most recently, ACOG has revised its recommendation regarding the frequency of Pap testing. Many insurance companies follow the ACOG guidelines in their reimbursement policies. The recommendations from ACOG are that women 21-65 have a pap smear every three (3) years, with women 30-65 having HPV co-testing every five (5) years.
It is the opinion of the providers at Fayetteville Woman’s Care that annual Pap smears still have clinical value. It continues to be important that women of all ages have a Well Woman Exam annually – even if a pap smear is not done. Realizing that insurance carriers follow the ACOG guidelines in determining benefit coverage, we want to inform you that your insurance may apply the cost of pap testing to your deductible or deny it completely, making it the patient’s responsibility. We are offering you the opportunity to opt in or opt out of annual pap testing. If you opt in, we will bill your insurance company. If your insurance company denies the charge, it will be your responsibility to pay the lab that processed the specimen or our office if we billed the test. Please note that we cannot determine the benefits for every insurance carrier.
If you opt out and only want pap testing every three (3) years, we still advise you to be seen annually for a Well Woman Exam and prescription refills. This exam will consist of a review of all your systems, as well as a pelvic and breast exam. Please be reminded that if we prescribe you medications, including birth control, you are required to be seen by us annually to continue receiving these medications from us.
If you have questions regarding annual versus every three (3) testing, please discuss this with your provider. If you have questions regarding your insurance company’s coverage of pap test, please call their Customer Service Department.
