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 |  | With Health Insurance: Copay + Lab Work |  | Without Health Insurance: $100-$250+ |
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Women should have a pelvic exam and Pap test at least once every two years starting within three years of becoming sexually active or at age 21. During a pelvic exam, the provider checks the health of reproductive organs, screens for sexually transmitted diseases and cancer, and discusses family planning. A pelvic exam also should be performed if a woman experiences pain, heavy menstrual bleeding or other problems.
Typical costs: |
- For patients covered by health insurance, the typical out-of-pocket cost would consist of a doctor-visit copay, as well as a copay for any lab work. A pelvic exam typically is covered by health insurance that covers routine care, and also would be covered if needed due to pain or other symptoms.
- For patients not covered by health insurance, a pelvic exam at a doctor's office typically costs $100-$250 or more. For example, the non-discounted rate at Planned Parenthood[1] in Baltimore is $111. At the Orlando Women's Center[2] , in Florida, a well-woman exam with Pap test is $150. At Alegent Health[3] clinics, in Nebraska and Iowa, a well woman visit costs about $155-$175. And at NOVA Women's Healthcare[4] in Virginia, an annual women's wellness exam costs $200 including Pap test.
Related articles: Pap Test, Mammogram, Birth Control Pills, IUD, Morning After Pill, STD Testing
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What should be included: |
- Before a pelvic exam, a nurse will weigh the patient, take blood pressure and ask if the patient has any concerns or questions for the doctor. Items to discuss at the time of a pelvic exam could include: heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding, symptoms such as itching or pain that could be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection, and ask questions about birth control.
- During a pelvic exam, the patient will lie on an examining table and the doctor will feel the outside of the abdomen. Then, the doctor will place the patient's feet in stirrups and insert a speculum to hold the vagina open to look at the vagina, cervix and uterus. Then, the doctor will insert a finger into the vagina and press on the abdomen to feel the reproductive organs. The doctor will take a sample of cervical cells for a Pap test. The doctor typically also will perform a breast exam to check for any lumps or irregularities in breast tissue.
- WebMD has an overview[5] of pelvic exams.
Additional costs: |
- A Pap test typically is done at the same time as a pelvic exam. If not included in the cost of the exam, it typically costs $25- $60.
- An STD test costs $50-$200 for laboratory fees.
- Birth control is sometimes prescribed at a pelvic exam. Birth control pills cost about $20-$50 per month. An IUD can cost $175-$600.
Discounts: |
- Planned Parenthood[6] offers pelvic exams and other reproductive health services on a sliding scale based on income. Or, The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services also offers a tool[7] to find a federally funded health clinic.
Shopping for a pelvic exam: |
- A pelvic exam usually is performed by a board-certified gynecologist. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers a doctor finder[8] by state; make sure the doctor is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology[9] . However, other health professionals, such as a family physician or a nurse also can perform a pelvic exam.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Natasha.S M in Austin, TX. | Posted: February 5th, 2018 06:02PM |
| Medical Center: ARC | Physician: Dr.smithonson |
Pelvic exam 200.00
Pap 39.00 |
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| Posted by: [email protected] in Kissimmee, FL. | Posted: September 24th, 2015 11:09AM |
| Medical Center: Planned Parenthouse | Physician: |
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| Posted by: fran101 in milwaukee, WI. | Posted: June 17th, 2014 10:06AM |
| Medical Center: MDI | Physician: |
I think its too much because I do not have insurance. |
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| Posted by: Karen Boute in Elizabeth, NJ. | Posted: May 20th, 2014 01:05AM |
| Medical Center: N/A | Physician: Dr. Patel |
This doctor told me an exam was one hundred dollars. I had been having severe pelvic pain.
When I got to the office I was told by her office help that exam plus Pap smear would be 150.00.
I have no health ins. so I paid up front. This doctor not only charged to do the pap smear. she also sent off to a lab that charged another 95.00 for pap smear. Double billed. Plus a panel of seven other tests for bacteria which I was not advised she was sending for a whole panel of things like hpv, candida yeast, and five other things. Suffice to say I was rendered a whopping lab bill of 1145.00. Plus 220.00 for a pelvic ultrasound for diagnostic purposes all told 1500.00. |
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| Posted by: Dottie in Sacramento, CA. | Posted: April 17th, 2012 10:04AM |
| Medical Center: Sutter Medical Foundation | Physician: Paul Murphy |
I think the amount I was charged for my yearly exam and pap smear is outrageous. My Medicare and supplemental insurance covered only half of this amount. |
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External Resources: |
- www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/centerDetails.asp?f=3292
- www.womenscenter.com/owc_fee_schedule.html
- www.alegentcreighton.com/understandingyourvisit
- www.novahc.com/services/gynecology/fees.html
- women.webmd.com/guide/pelvic-examination
- www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/findCenter.asp
- bphc.hrsa.gov/technicalassistance/taresources/slidingscale.html
- www.acog.org/About_ACOG/Find_an_Ob-Gyn
- www.abog.org/
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