June 6, 2019
Premera launched a mail campaign in May, to educate and remind our members to schedule an appointment for a cervical cancer screening or to schedule a breast cancer screening 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 between 21- 29 years old should have a Pap test every three years;
- Patients between 30 - 64 years old are recommended to have a Pap test every three years or a Pap test with HPV testing every five 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” aren’t considered an appropriate screening.
Breast Cancer Screening
Patients aged 50-74 should receive a screening mammogram once every two years. Patients between 40-49 years old are encouraged to discuss early screening benefits and risks with their provider. Learn more information about Breast Cancer Screening.