Cervical Screening Test
Cervical cancer screening should be performed every 5 years. It is a simple test, where a swab of your cervix is taken to help check for signs of the human papillomavirus (HPV)
We know that 99% of cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with certain types of HPV.
I have received a bill for Cervical Screening, Invoice 123456789
Why have I received an Invoice? (Depending on the letter that follows your invoice number, refer to the applicable explanation below)
Invoices with the letter F
Capital Pathology is a private provider of specialist pathology services. Like other specialists and medical practitioners, we charge for our services.
For patients who have Medicare we have a maximum gap/co-payment policy of $50.00 for Medicare rebateable testing.
If there non-rebateable test/s included on your invoice, the cost for this testing is in additional to the gap payment.
Invoices with the letters NM
If you have received a NM invoice it means that your CST testing did not meet Medicare’s rebateable testing criteria.
The most common reason that the criteria is not being met is that there has been a previous routine CST within the 57 months prior to the CST for which you have received this invoice.
Detailed information in regards to the Medicare criteria that applies to cervical and vaginal screening (including symptomatic and self collects) can be found on MBS Online.
Invoices with the letters FN
Patients who do not have a Medicare card are billed at AMA (Australian Medical Association) rates for the specialist services that Capital Pathology provides.
The AMA sets these rates based on the costs associated with performing these tests by pathology services.
Our invoices and receipts contain all the information that should be required by your health insurance provider for claiming purposes.
Human Papillomavirus
Women of any age who experience symptoms, including pain, bleeding or discharge, should see their doctor or healthcare professional.
HPV is a common infection in females and males, with hundreds of different HPV types that affect different parts of the body.
Most HPV types clear up by themselves without causing any problems. However, if they aren't cleared up naturally by the body, some types of HPV can lead to the development of different cancers.
Cervical cancer is most commonly associated with persistent infection with HPV types 16 and 18 (often known as high-risk HPV)
Cervical screening has changed to five-yearly HPV testing
The HPV test offered under the screening program will only be funded every five years for women who are 'low risk', with no symptoms or abnormal history.
If you prefer not to wait five years for your next screening test, more frequent cervical screening can be done, however it will not be eligible for a Medicare rebate unless it meets the specific criteria for increased testing. Again, please discuss this option with your doctor.
Billing policy
For more information on Capital Pathology's billing policy