-
.
- Ελληνικά
A) Pap test
As part of the campaign to inform beneficiaries about the prevention services included in the General Health System (GHS), the Health Insurance Organisation (HSI) reminds that the cervical cancer prevention test with the Pap smear is provided by the General Health Insurance Scheme from the first day of its implementation.
The frequency of Pap smear screening for women who do not have any symptoms or history has been determined as being performed every two (2) years until the age of 65 years, a decision based on international guidelines.
The Agency wishes to clarify, however, that in cases where there are signs or symptoms or history that justify repeating the test at a shorter interval (less than 2 years), then the test is fully reimbursed by the GHS regardless of the frequency.
It is important to note that the attendance rates of women for the Pap smear test are low. The following table shows the number of women who have had a Pap test in the last 2 years and the number of women who fall into the age category to have this test and have not done so.
Attendance of Women for Pap test
| Number of beneficiaries who had a Pap test in the last 2 years | 126,903 |
| Number of beneficiaries who were able to have a Pap test in the last 2 years | 341,837 |
| Percentage | 37.12% |
B) Childhood screening
Also, with a view to strengthening the field of prevention within the GHS, the Agency wishes to remind beneficiaries that, from the beginning of 2023, a series of clinical guidelines (CCGs), prepared with the contribution and collaboration of the relevant scientific societies, have been implemented.
Always with a view to continuously improving and upgrading the level of quality of the health care services provided under the GHS for all beneficiaries, the CCOs that have been put in place relate to three screening tests during childhood:
1. Iron deficiency/iron deficiency anaemia in childhood
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia in infancy and childhood. For this reason, the Agency has moved to include screening for Iron deficiency/ Iron deficiency anaemia in childhood in high-risk groups on the basis of guidelines
2. Developmental Hip Dysplasia
Screening for Developmental Hip Dysplasia is performed by a paediatrician at the birth of a child. If the result of the test is positive, i.e. falls within any of the predefined parameters, then a referral to an Orthopaedist is recommended. Further tests and a physiological clinical examination of an infant who falls into the high-risk groups should be performed.
3. Vision Screening
Vision Screening in children aims at early detection of problems leading to preventable vision loss. Children are recommended to be screened during routine vision screening by Pediatricians at the age of 0-6 months every 2 months, 6 months-2 years every 6 months and from 6-18 years every 3 years. The type of check-up by the Paediatrician depends on the age of the child. In the presence of abnormal findings during assessment by the Paediatrician, the child should be referred to an Ophthalmologist. At the age of 3-5 years, universal screening by an Ophthalmologist is recommended for all children of this age.
C) Routine Laboratory Tests
In addition, as part of strengthening prevention within the GHS, the OAH has recently adopted guidelines for routine laboratory testing of asymptomatic adults, i.e., individuals who have not been diagnosed, have not developed symptoms of a disease, or have not received or are not taking medication. In the event that a beneficiary has symptoms or a medical history or is taking medication, then that beneficiary is not covered by the above guidelines and therefore the frequency of laboratory testing is determined by the treating physician at a frequency consistent with the optimal management of the beneficiary's condition.
The frequency of routine laboratory testing in asymptomatic adults is determined on the basis of each beneficiary's age. More specifically, for ages 18 to 44 years, the frequency for laboratory tests such as complete blood count, fasting sugar, urea, creatinine, renal function, liver enzymes, cholesterol, urinalysis, etc. is set at 5 years. For ages 45 to 64, the frequency for the aforementioned laboratory tests is every 2 years and for ages over 65, the tests should be done every year.
Among the routine laboratory tests, the Health Insurance Agency has included screening for prostate cancer. For high-risk men, 40 years and older, total PSA should be done every five (5) years. For men over 50 years of age every two (2) years and for men over 65 years of age total PSA should be done according to protocol.
In addition, thyroid hormone (TSH) testing may be done every two years in men over 60 years of age and in women over 50 years of age. It is also clarified that the aforementioned test should similarly be performed every two years for persons over 65 years of age, irrespective of gender.
The adoption of these guidelines was made in collaboration with the Agency's Subcommittee on Laboratory Tests and following consultation with representatives of the Scientific Societies of Personal Physicians for Adults.
Finally, it is clarified that the prevention services provided within the GHS in no way replace the population/screening programmes of the Ministry of Health, which aim to safeguard and protect public health.
(NΓ/ΣΧ)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
