The Pap test is no longer covered under the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) and has been replaced with the new cervical and vaginal testing and accompanying MBS item numbers.
Healthcare providers must take note of the differences between the MBS items, and provide as much information on the pathology request form as possible. This will avoid the wrong pathology test being performed on the sample and may result in the patient being charged incorrectly for a test.
General practitioners need to specify all of the following on the pathology request form:
- the collection is part of routine screening for an asymptomatic woman OR is for clinical management OR for testing a symptomatic woman
- the tests required
- any relevant clinical history
From 1 December 2017 healthcare providers should not write Pap test or smear on the pathology request form, otherwise their patient will be charged. To assist with completing the pathology request please refer to the Pathology test guide for Cervical and Vaginal testing.
Please contact the Prevention and Screening Program Officer on 93471188 or email angela.ouroumis@nwmphn.org.au for further information.
Disclaimer: This article was provided by NWMPHN. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency and completeness of any information or material included within.
