Direct Primary Care offers many benefits for our patients, including preventive care and low-cost exams and procedures. Our new provider, Dr. April Calderon, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding women’s reproductive health – which led us to begin offering colposcopies at Euphora Health. Adding a low-cost colposcopy to our available procedures will empower our female patients with more in-depth preventive care by catching abnormal cervical cells and/or cervical cancer while the condition is still easily treatable.
What is a Colposcopy?
A colposcopy is a painless examination of the cervix (the tissue at the bottom of the uterus) with a low-power microscope. Your doctor may recommend a colposcopy if you’ve had abnormal results from your Pap smear, tested positive for HPV, or have signs/symptoms of cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer. This procedure is done at our Cedar Park clinic and does not require anesthesia.
How Will a Colposcopy Help Prevent Cervical Cancer?
Screening tests offer the best chance to find cervical cancer at an early stage when successful treatment is most likely. Colposcopy allows the provider to get more data about abnormal cells by collecting a biopsy. The results of the biopsy would indicate whether more aggressive treatment is necessary or if waiting is preferable.
How is a Colposcopy Different from a Pap Smear?
A Pap test (Pap smear) involves scraping a sample of cells from your cervix and examining them for early changes that can indicate cervical cancer.
Why is Colposcopy Different at Euphora Health?
Dr. Calderon takes her time with each patient and understands that this procedure can be very anxiety-provoking. The first step is a consult that involves an education process. This is to review why colposcopy is needed, to give instructions on what to expect, and to answer any questions. Next, during the colposcopy, Dr. Calderon makes sure that the patient feels comfortable by explaining the procedure step-by-step as it is performed. This gives the patient a sense of security and confidence in the procedure. Finally, Dr. Calderon calls the patient with the results and lays out a plan for continuing treatment or monitoring.
How Much Will a Colposcopy Cost?
A colposcopy for Euphora Health members is $50 and for nonmembers is $350. Each biopsy is an additional $50. These costs are paid by the patient directly to Euphora Health, and there are no surprise bills. However, if certain abnormal cells are found a special screen may be needed. The lab would then charge an additional $70 (this is a rare occurrence).
For comparison, the market value for a colposcopy is $300 on the low end and up to $700 with insurance-based providers. We research each procedure we offer and the price at various locations to ensure our patients get the most cost-effective services.
If you have more questions or would like to schedule a colposcopy, please use our contact form or call our Cedar Park office at 737-215-4525.
