Article
Avoid Unnecessary Pap Tests: Study Concludes
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that lack of awareness resulted in women over 65 and those who had undergone hysterectomy routinely undergoing a Pap test.
As many as half to two-thirds of women who have undergone hysterectomies or are older than 65 years in the United States report receiving Pap tests for cervical cancer. This prevalence is surprising in light of the 2003 U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce guidelines recommending that women discontinue Pap testing if they have received a total hysterectomy without a history of cervical cancer and if they are over age 65 years with ongoing and recent normal Pap test results.
Performing these unnecessary tests can result in stress for the patient, increased costs, and inefficient use of both provider and patient time, concludes a new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Press Release by the Center for Advancig Health: http://bit.ly/Zsy7oL
Choosing Wisely Recommendations for Pap Tests: http://bit.ly/1vynigo
Newsletter
Stay ahead of policy, cost, and value—subscribe to AJMC for expert insights at the intersection of clinical care and health economics.
