What to Do If You Need a Pap Smear and Can't Afford It
Monday March 31, 2008
Too many women go without having regular Pap smears because they are uninsured and cannot afford the out of pocket expense. Thanks to federal and state programs, no woman has to go without having a regular Pap smear - regardless of income or insurance coverage. Help is available - women just need to know where to look!
Regular Pap smears are vital to optimum cervical health. This means having one on a regular basis - as directed by their doctor. A Pap smear is not a diagnostic test, but a screening tool. Screening tests identify abnormalities when the patient has no symptoms, while a diagnostic test helps identify the cause of symptoms in the form of a diagnosis of illness or disease. The Pap smear helps identify women who are at high risk of developing cervical cancer. Since it is not considered a diagnostic tool, it is essential that women have one regularly.
Regular Pap smears are vital to optimum cervical health. This means having one on a regular basis - as directed by their doctor. A Pap smear is not a diagnostic test, but a screening tool. Screening tests identify abnormalities when the patient has no symptoms, while a diagnostic test helps identify the cause of symptoms in the form of a diagnosis of illness or disease. The Pap smear helps identify women who are at high risk of developing cervical cancer. Since it is not considered a diagnostic tool, it is essential that women have one regularly.
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