What can I expect at a well woman exam?
A well woman exam at PGOMG is an annual appointment when your PGOMG provider performs a general health check that includes a breast exam and a Pap test. A well woman exam does not address chronic conditions or any new health concerns.
What is the intention of a well woman exam?
Well woman exams are designed for preventative care. An annual exam offers your provider the opportunity to perform a general health check that also covers breast and vaginal health (Pap test). This exam is meant to “catch” any potential health issues before they become a problem for the patient, or to prevent an existing issue that the patient may have been unaware of from worsening.
What does ‘general health check’ mean?
In addition to the breast exam and Pap test, your provider uses the time during your annual exam to receive an update on your current life and employment situation. For example, the provider may ask if you are recently married or divorced or if you changed jobs. Your doctor will also ask if there are any changes to your family’s medical history or to your own. If you are taking any medications or have changed medications since your last well woman exam, please let your provider know.
What won’t be covered during a well woman exam?
Sometimes, patients are under the misconception that a well woman exam is the time to speak to their provider about a new or chronic health issue. However, a separate appointment is needed to discuss anything not covered under the general health check.
Separate appointments are required for: STD screenings; new contraceptive options; family planning decisions; heavy menstrual bleeding; abnormal uterine bleeding; incontinence management; infections and genetic testing.
If you are unsure if you will need to make a separate appointment, please contact PGOMG and we will confirm if there is a need to do so.
Schedule a well woman exam with PGOMG today.
