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43.3.5.2 Cervical Cancer Screening
The first Pap smear should be obtained at 21 years of age, 3 years from the onset of sexual activity, or at any other age based on provider discretion. A Pap smear test is a microscopic examination of cells exfoliated or scraped from a mucosal surface. This test is most widely used in detecting malignant, premalignant, and infectious disease of the uterine cervix.
Laboratory Procedure
Specimens for the Pap smear must be sent to the DSHS Women's Health Laboratory in San Antonio. Pap smears arrive by mail or courier service and are processed in the Cytopathology Laboratory. The slides are stained with the Pap stain technique and coverslipped. Staff cytotechnologists examine all Pap smears for cellular disease and render a diagnosis on those determined to be negative or abnormal.
A quality control cytotechnologist rescreens at least 10 percent of the cases considered negative by the staff cytotechnologists. All abnormal cases are referred to a pathologist for final interpretation and follow-up recommendation. A computer-generated result report is mailed or faxed to the submitting THSteps medical check up provider. A statistical report is mailed monthly to providers documenting their totals by diagnosis and adequacy.
Request Form
Follow these steps to submit a request form:
1) |
Submit a test request form (Form M-47). |
2) |
Make sure the slide and request form (or liquid-based Pap vial) are labeled with the client's last name. Wrap the completed M-47 form around the cardboard mailer for conventional Pap smears and fasten with a rubber band. For liquid-based Pap smears, place the vial in a zip-lock biohazard transport bag, and place the M-47 in the corresponding pocket. |
3) |
The completed M-47 form must include the following information: |
• Name as it appears on the Medicaid Identification (Form H3087).
•Address.
•Date of birth.
•Social Security number (SSN).
•DOS.
•Examiner.
•ICD-9-CM diagnostic code for the visit or a descriptive narrative.
•Test(s) ordered.
•Specimen site (cervix, endocervix, and vaginal).
•Submitting clinic code or name and address of clinic.
4) |
The completed test request form must include the Medicaid number or "Medicaid pending" must be written on the form for billing purposes. |
Mailing Specimens and Ordering Supplies
THSteps providers can call for information, mail specimens to, or order supplies for obtaining Pap smears for THSteps adolescent screening from the following laboratory:
Women's Health Laboratories
2303 SE Military Drive, Suite 1
San Antonio, TX 78223
Customer Service: 1-888-440-5002 or 1-210-531-4596
Fax: 1-210-531-4506
To order supplies, providers should do the following:
•Providers must use order Form AG-30, 1643, or letterhead stationery.
•Fax the supply order form or include in the specimen packaging.
•Request supplies by telephone or email.
•Include their THSteps provider identifier.
The following supplies are available for order:
Providers that are already on the automated system through the DSHS Pharmacy are encouraged to continue using this system. Larger numbers of supplies are sent through the DSHS Pharmacy. Providers with consistent monthly workload volumes can request to be set up with a standard monthly order that is shipped at the same time each month.
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