Annual Preventive Women’s Health

 An annual preventive women’s health visit focuses on maintaining your health, identifying potential risks early, and making sure you are current on recommended screenings and immunizations. The services recommended during the visit are based on your age, medical history, family history, medications, reproductive goals, and individual risk factors. 

You should continue scheduling an annual preventive visit even when a Pap test, pelvic examination, or mammogram is not due that year. 

•  A review of your medical, surgical, menstrual, reproductive, sexual, and family history
• Blood pressure, weight, body mass index, and other routine measurements
• A medication and allergy review
• Breast health assessment and mammogram recommendations
• Cervical cancer screening when due
• Evaluation of menstrual cycles, contraception needs, pregnancy planning, or menopause concerns
• Screening for depression, anxiety, tobacco use, alcohol use, intimate partner violence, and other health risks
• Discussion of nutrition, physical activity, sleep, bone health, and healthy lifestyle goals
• Review of recommended vaccines
• Laboratory testing when medically appropriate
• Referrals for imaging, specialty care, or additional evaluation when needed

 Breast cancer screening recommendations are based on your age and individual risk factors. For women at average risk, mammography is generally recommended every two years from ages 40 through 74. Patients with breast symptoms, a strong family history of breast cancer, previous abnormal imaging, known genetic risk, or other risk factors may need earlier, more frequent, or additional testing.

A screening mammogram is intended for patients who do not have new breast symptoms. A breast lump, nipple discharge, skin changes, breast swelling, or persistent breast pain may require a diagnostic evaluation rather than routine screening.

When additional evaluation is needed, our clinic can coordinate diagnostic breast imaging and referral to a breast specialist. Referral scheduling, imaging requirements, insurance authorization, and appointment availability are determined by the receiving facility and the patient’s insurance plan.

 Cervical cancer screening is recommended for most average-risk women between ages 21 and 65. The type of test and how often screening is needed depend on your age, previous results, medical history, and current screening guidelines. A Pap test is not automatically required every year.

Patients with a history of abnormal Pap or HPV test results, cervical precancer or cancer, immune suppression, certain prenatal medication exposures, or other risk factors may need additional testing or a more frequent screening schedule.

An abnormal screening result does not necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer. Depending on the result, follow-up may include repeat testing, colposcopy, biopsy, or treatment of abnormal cervical cells.

When specialty evaluation is needed, our clinic coordinates referrals to an appropriate gynecology provider. Patients with findings that are highly concerning for cervical cancer, a confirmed cancer diagnosis, or other qualifying high-risk abnormalities may be referred to a gynecologic oncology specialist. Referral acceptance, insurance authorization, scheduling, and the services provided are determined by the receiving specialist.

 A pelvic or clinical breast examination may be performed when indicated by your symptoms, history, risk factors, or preventive-care needs. Not every patient requires every examination at every annual visit.

Please tell your clinician about pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, vaginal discharge, breast changes, urinary symptoms, or other concerns so the appropriate evaluation can be planned..

  Bone-density screening is generally recommended for women age 65 and older. It may also be recommended for younger postmenopausal women who have an increased risk of fracture.  

An annual preventive visit is designed for routine screening, risk assessment, and prevention. It is not intended to fully evaluate every new, complex, or uncontrolled medical concern.

Concerns that may require a separate problem-focused visit include:

• New pelvic or abdominal pain
• Heavy, prolonged, or irregular bleeding
• Breast lumps, nipple discharge, or other new breast changes
• Vaginal symptoms requiring diagnostic testing
• New or uncontrolled chronic medical conditions
• Starting a new medication or making significant medication changes
• Infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss evaluation
• Complex menopause or hormone-treatment concerns

When a significant medical concern is evaluated during the same appointment, your insurance may process part of the visit as a separate problem-focused service. A copayment, deductible, or coinsurance may apply.

Routine laboratory testing is not identical for every patient. Tests are ordered based on age, symptoms, medical history, medications, family history, screening guidelines, and insurance requirements.

Testing may include cholesterol, diabetes screening, anemia evaluation, kidney or liver function, thyroid testing, STI screening, or other clinically appropriate studies.