Medicare_Benefit_Policy_Manual / Chapter_15 / 280.4

Why This Topic Matters

Accurate understanding of preventive screening policy affects whether services meet Medicare coverage requirements and whether claims are processed under the correct time-based rules. It also helps users recognize the broader Medicare policy sources that govern preventive screening services.

Article Sections

1. Screening Pap Smears

   Introduces the Medicare policy topic, effective dates, and the general coverage framework for screening Pap smear services.

2. Coverage Conditions for Claims With Dates of Service From January 1, 1998 Through June 30, 2001

   Describes the historical coverage period and the broad beneficiary circumstances addressed in that period. It also identifies the practitioner types and related timing considerations discussed in the policy.

3. High Risk Factors for Cervical and Vaginal Cancer

   Summarizes the categories of risk factors referenced by the policy for cervical and vaginal cancer screening eligibility.

4. Woman of Childbearing Age

   Explains the policy’s general definition context for this beneficiary category and its relationship to the screening coverage framework.

5. For Claims With Dates of Service on or After July 1, 2001

   Describes the later coverage period and the updated frequency framework referenced by the manual section.