Berman - Figure 14 - The Well Woman Visit & Interval Extension (cont'd) Text

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.