Berman - Figure 14 - The Well Woman Visit & Interval Extension (cont'd)
ACOG supports the well woman-exam.
The annual exam: It should include screening for other age-related disease and cancers, counseling, immunizations, etc. Starting at age 21, speculum exams for cervical cancer screening should occur regardless of sexual activity. There is never an indication to do a Pap test on a patient younger than age 21.
Educate on cervical cancer screening: We need to educate patients on the meaning of cervical cancer screening, its benefits and limitations, and the rationale for screening intervals.
Contraception and counseling does not equal cervical cancer screening: The birth control pill may be prescribed without doing a Pap test. It is not a barrier or requirement that a patient must have a Pap to get her contraceptive prescription.
