The following refers to average-risk asymptomatic women aged 21 to 65: Preparation of Papanicolaou (Pap) smears using conventional or a monolayer slide preparation system may be considered medically necessary every 2 to 3 years. Primary screening and rescreening of Pap smears using the FocalPoint™ or ThinPrep® automated slide reading systems may be considered medically necessary. HPV testing, in conjunction with Pap smears, for the purpose of screening women over age 30 for cervical abnormalities may be considered medically necessary. The following refers to high-risk or symptomatic women or those with a prior abnormal Pap: Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing of Pap smears that have an interpretation of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) may be considered medically necessary. HPV testing for the purpose of following-up prior positive HPV tests in women over age 30 may be considered medically necessary.
Primary screening and rescreening of Pap smears using the FocalPoint™ system automated slide reading system in high-risk patients is investigational.
