September 5, 2019
As part of our initiative to educate our members of the importance of Cervical and Breast Cancer screenings, we’re asking members schedule an appointment with their provider to receive a cervical cancer screening or discuss other options. Members may also receive a reminder to schedule with an in-network mammography facility. Women aged 50-65 will receive a dual-reminder letter if they are due for both screenings.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer is considered one of the most preventable types of cancer with appropriate guideline-based screening. A few points providers should keep in mind:
- For the healthy population of women without a history of abnormal pap smears and with adequate previous screening, screening should only be completed between the ages of 21 and 64.
- Patients 21-29 should have a Pap test alone every 3 years;
- Patients 30-64 are recommended to have a Pap test every 3 years or a Pap test with HPV testing every 5 years.
- Since this is a hybrid measure, documentation in the medical record must include both a note indicating the date of when the cervical cytology was performed and the result of the exam to count as complete.
- Biopsies, inadequate samples, or results that state “no cervical cells present” are not considered an appropriate screening.
Breast Cancer Screening
Patients 50-74 should receive a screening mammogram once every 2 years. Patients between 40-49 are encouraged to discuss early screening benefits and risks with their provider. Learn more information about Breast Cancer Screening.