Well Woman Screening Factsheet

Evidence based changes in examination procedures are being introduced in this practice for women between forty and seventy years with the object of providing the best screening protocols:

•  Mammography should now take place annually after fifty years rather than every two years.

•  Bone density should be examined at the start of the menopause and repeated annually if osteoporosis or osteopenia (thin bones) is detected at the first examination.

•  Trans-vaginal ultrasound has been added to the annual protocol and this simple and harmless examination checks the ovaries and the uterus endometrium (lining) and muscle for tumours.

The practice uses The Princess Grace Hospital Imaging Department for these examinations where the equipment is state of the art; for example, mammography is digitally analysed and this gives very precise images.   This is a unique service in London.

•  Cervical smear examinations together with blood and urine tests will continue annually, as at present.

The cost of these examinations is not reimbursed by healthcare insurers as they will not pay for screening procedures.   We consider this to be regrettable and, indeed, very short sighted.

If you are on the practice recall system, you will receive a communication at the next appropriate time; otherwise, please telephone the Practice Staff who will be pleased to take your details and book an appointment.

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