Cervical and Vaginal Cancer Screening (Pap Test and Pelvic Exam) with Medicare

It is very important for women of a certain age to be tested on a regular basis for some possible medical conditions or afflictions.  Medicare will cover the cost of many of these procedures for the women that are at risk and this is a good thing for your bank account.  The following information will help you to determine if you qualify for the testing and what is covered.

• Medicare covers these screening tests for cervical, vaginal and breast cancers once every 24 months, or once every 12 months for women at high risk, and for women of child-bearing age who have had an exam that indicated cancer or other abnormalities in the past 3 years.  Your doctor could possibly explain all of this in better detail if you bring up your concerns about the procedures.
• No cost to you for the Pap lab test that is needed to complete the testing that you are getting.  You do, however, pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for Pap test specimen collection, and pelvic and breast exams.  This is where the health insurance rules and regulations tend to get a little bit tricky, make sure you know what you are supposed to be charged for and what you are not.