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ROUTINE GYN CARE
The routine GYN exam is an excellent opportunity for the female patient to receive education and counseling on healthy lifestyle practices and to participate in preventative health screenings.
The flow of the annual GYN visit is usually based on a patient's age, sexual status, and risk factors. Preventative health screenings are offered and include age-appropriate imaging and laboratory testing, screening for substance use, and screening for depression. The annual is recommended every year, especially for patients who are prescribed contraception.
If you have any more questions regarding routine screenings please call our office and speak to a member of your care team.
When should my daughter or myself have the initial Routine GYN visit?
ACOG recommends the initial GYN visit between ages 13 and 15 years old. It is important to remember that a pelvic exam is not always involved and will be based on provider discretion and patient presentation. This visit serves to provide important early screening and counseling regarding body image, menstrual cycles, STI prevention, immunizations (HPV vaccine), and contraception. It is also an opportunity to establish a patient-provider relationship.
When am I due for my first pap smear? How about a breast exam?
The ACOG and ASCCP recommends pap smear screening and clinical breast exam be started in all women at age 21.
Medicare covers a routine annual exam every two years for low risk women. Pap smears are not done after the age of 65 unless you have a recent history of an abnormal pap smear or have had DES exposure. If you wish to have an annual exam every year you must complete the Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) from Medicare. The ABN form explains that Medicare may not pay for the services you are having. You will be financially responsible for services Medicare does not cover. The link for this form can be found below.
If you need an appointment due to a problem you are having please call the office, we will be happy to schedule you for an office visit to address your concern.
