Cervical cancer screening and management practices among providers in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP)

Abstract

As of mid-2004, program providers served racially and ethnically diverse, low-income patients who are at high risk for cervical cancer compared with nonprogram providers, as intended by this program. Because many providers offered on-site colposcopy, used LBC, and used HPV tests for patients with abnormal cytology results, they are well equipped to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Many program providers used the HPV test for reasons that were not approved of by the FDA or reimbursed by the NBCCEDP. The results of this survey have informed training materials for program providers, reimbursement policies for LBC and HPV tests, and interventions to discourage inappropriate HPV testing.