Is Pap test part of annual physical?
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Is Pap test part of annual physical?
| Tue, 07-01-2008 - 3:19pm |
I recently had my annual physical exam with a new primary care doctor (change of health plans and moving), and to my surprise she proceeded to give me a papsmear test as the first thing of that exam (which also was my first encounter with that doctor), whereas I was not notified by her staff that the Papsmear will be part of the appointment. I had thought that Pap test is something that an OB/Gyn administers, and that my primary care doctor should help me make an appointment to see one. Not to mention that the PC was truly rude during the procedure, and the whole "comprehensive physical exam" took only about 20 minutes. I believe that the patients should be notified ahead of time if they are to get Papsmear (as there are certain requirements they have to follow prior to that). Am I wrong?

Hi there,
Yes, I believe a pap smear is generally part of an annual physical. Particularly since you were changing doctors, she would have wanted new results for her own records.
A pap smear can be done by a doctor, a nurse or an obgyn if they know how to do it.
If, for any reason you feel that you might not get accurate results because you were not prepared for having it, you should ring the doctor's office and let them know.
I know some pcp's now do pap smears in their office. When I changed pcp's, she asked me if I had my pap done and informed me she could do it right there in the office. I told her, no thanks, I already had an obgyn that I was extremely happy with.
Alisa
Under normal circumstances, you should be asked if you have a gyn and if you've had a pap smear done recently.