January 19, 2012
Women’s Health Screening Recommendations
**We wish to recognize the efforts of David Koo, MD, Assistant Director, Florida Hospital Family Medicine Residency, in addition to the FAFP Women's Health Subcommittee for the development of the Women's Health Screening Recommendations.
Important information from the FAFP Women's Health Subcommittee - Women's Health Screening Recommendations
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently approved new guidelines to ensure women receive key preventative health services at no additional cost. These new guidelines were based on the recent Institute of Medicine report to include recommendations for well-woman visits, breastfeeding support, domestic violence screening, and contraception. Health plans must now cover women’s preventive services without additional charges of a co-payment or deductible.
Many experts have published guidelines for the various screening tests necessary for maintenance of optimal health and disease prevention. The following tables are based upon the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations which are supported by the AAFP. These guidelines are intended for the average risk woman and modifications should be made to accommodate special populations and those at increased risk.
For more information on the HHS guidelines and IOM report for women’s preventive services:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/08/20110801b.html
http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2011/Clinical-Preventive-Services-for-Women-Closing-the-Gaps.aspx