Arizona Medicaid: New test approved for cervical cancer screenings

The FDA recently approved self-collected high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing in a health care setting for routine cervical cancer screening (CCS) when cervical specimens can’t otherwise be obtained. This is not for follow-up of abnormal test results or symptoms requiring diagnostic evaluation.

We may release more guidelines and will update you as more information becomes available.

Patient eligibility for self-collection

Only ages 30–64 years for routine cervical cancer screening
No symptoms of abnormal bleeding, no active menstrual bleeding or use of vaginal products within 2 days
Not HIV positive
No history of cervical cancer
Asymptomatic and eligible for primary HPV testing

View American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines for more information.

Tips for hrHPV self-collection testing

Check with your lab provider to see if the FDA-approved self-collection kits are available
Use CPT® code 87624 or 87626 for the FDA-approved HPV screening to meet CCS HEDIS® compliance and close quality gaps
Must occur during the current measurement year or 4 years prior
If we’re the secondary payer, you’ll need to submit a secondary claim to us to close the gap

Guidance for hrHPV self-collected routine CCS test results

HPV negative – Repeat screening in 3 years
HPV 16 or HPV 18 detected – Refer or return visit for colposcopy
HPV types 56/59/66 detected with extended genotyping – Retest in 1 year at clinician’s discretion
Other HPV detected with extended (or without) extended genotyping – Return visit for clinician-collected cervical specimen for cytology or dual stain