Well Woman Exams

Why Well-Woman Exams are Important to Your Health.

Whether you’re 16 or 60, an important habit every woman should get into is scheduling an annual well-woman examination. By staying on top of your health and seeing a provider annually, you improve the chances that you’ll catch any problems you may be having early on, when treatment is most effective. Here’s what to expect during a well-woman exam:

• General physical exam (including breast exam)
• Pelvic exam (pap smear)
• Update of life and work situation
• Update of family health history (any new serious illnesses in your family?)
• Review of your health history
• Update of current medications, herbs and supplements (bring list)
• Need for medication refills
• Evaluation of need for health screening tests based on age and personal and family history (such as mammogram, test for sexually transmitted infections and colon cancer screening)
• Update on immunizations

In most cases, insurance and Medicare cover the cost of an annual well-woman exam, but be sure to check with your carrier before scheduling an appointment.