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Your annual well-woman exam will include a breast exam, pelvic exam, and pap smear (if needed).
ANNUAL WELL WOMAN EXAM
Your annual well-woman exam will include a breast exam, pelvic exam, and pap smear (if needed). Most insurance companies will pay for one well woman exam per year. At the time of your appointment, we will file with your insurance plan that we have on file; it is pertinent that you provide the most up to date policies. If there is an outstanding balance after filing your insurance, you will receive a statement.
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Bone Density Screening (DEXA) is not a service currently offered by Nash OB-GYN but is recommended to patients that meet this criteria at their annual exam appointment.
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Medicare rules state that patients are eligible for pap smear screening and pelvic exams once every 24 months for all women unless you are considered high risk.
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Your physician can discuss this with you and determine if you are high risk and if you should be seen any sooner than every 24 months.​
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We strongly recommend that you contact your insurance company to fully understand your benefits prior to any appointment.​
Important Information for our Patients Regarding Annual Well Woman Exams​
Additional Information: What happens at an Ob-GYN checkup and why?
PAP SMEAR SCREENING
If you are due for a pap smear, during your physical exam, your provider will take a sample of cervical cells and send them to UWH Lab for testing. You may feel some mild cramping during this exam, but it should not be painful. The pathologist will analyze your sample and provide your physician with a result within 2 weeks. If your pap smear is normal, the result will be published to your patient portal. If your pap smear is abnormal, then the physician and/or clinical staff will notify you of the results and any recommended treatment.
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All women need an annual gynecologic exam to evaluate the pelvic organs (uterus, ovaries, vagina) but not all women need pap smear testing every year.
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The following recommendations are for low-risk women (women who do NOT have a history of cervical dysplasia). We recommend that you discuss these recommendations with your physician so that you can both decide together on the best screening options for you.
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If you are younger than 21, you do not need a pap smear.
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If you are 21-64, then you are a candidate for pap smear testing every 3 years.
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If you are 65+ years, or have had a hysterectomy, we recommend you discuss this with your provider. ​
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Women with high-risk conditions (history of cervical dysplasia, history of uterine cancer, exposure to DES, immune system disorders, etc.) may need more frequent pap smear screening. We recommend that you discuss this with your physician so that a plan can be made and agreed upon.​
ABNORMAL PAP SMEARS - EVALUATION & TREATMENT
The vast majority of pap smear tests return with normal results. However, there are some abnormal results that require further testing, investigation and treatment.
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Learn more about abnormal cervical screening test results >
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Additional testing after an abnormal result include:
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Repeat pap smear/HPV testing
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Endometrial biopsy
Depending upon the results of this testing, you may need additional treatment. Treatment options include:
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Conization
You and your physician will discuss your pap smear results and treatment options in detail and together you will decide on the best option for you.
BONE DENSITY SCREENING (DEXA)
Dexa (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is an enhanced x-ray image of the skeleton that provides the most accurate measurements of bone density available. Bone density tests are used to determine if a patient has osteoporosis, a condition in which bones are weakened and fracture easily. This allows us to provide more complete preventive care services to our patients.
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During the procedure, a beam of low dose x-ray is targeted at the area, usually the lower spine and hips. The energy is measured as it is absorbed by soft tissue and by bone. Computer software then processes the gathered information which is reviewed by your healthcare provider.
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Exams are painless and generally take 10-20 minutes to complete.
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All Bone Density Scans are scheduled at UNC Health Nash. Once completed, the report will be sent to your provider for review and recommendations.
Learn About Our Other Gynecology Services
Breast Problems, Contraception, STI Screening and more