Pap smears in UK - I have questions!

several posts mentioned that pap smears are typically only done every 3 yrs in the UK.

Here in the US I go every 6 months as I had some pre-cancerous cervical cells show up 10 yrs ago (my doc is very cautious). Good thing, as my last pap came back OK but he saw something odd, biopsied, and it was pre-cancerous again.

I'm having surgery on Monday and we should be flying to Wales on Saturday.

Given my history, I'm not really comfortable with a nurse doing the exam (not that they don't know as much half the time.)

Can someone explain my options? We have private insurance in Wales. I'm already freaking over the diagnosis, since it was a form of HPV that the pap doesn't screen for. My doc wants me to "pop in for a visit" when I come back, but I can't swing the $900+ it will cost without US insurance...

Any advice is welcomed - if you have a doc around Cardiff or north of there, pls feel free to recommend!

Thanks so much,
Jenn

When will you be back in the US? I know you said it's expensive, but traveler's insurance may be able to cover you to some extent (I'm not certain of this in non-emergency cases). If you're back in the US every six months, would the expense be worth it to see the doctor who understands your medical history?

I think your best bet is to call your private insurance carrier in Wales and find out what services they cover and how often. Since each insurance company has different allowances, they're the only ones who'll be able to set your straight as far as what your options are. If you have a previous condition, it may be that they'll offer more or less coverage than usual, which you'll certainly want to be aware of.

Good luck! Hopefully someone who knows more than I do will be along soon to answer the rest of your questions.

The once every 3 years is the norm for those women who do not have a problem.  With your history I would be very surprised if the NHS did not want to see you more often and prehaps refer you to a specialist.  Bring all of your medical history with you.
Will you have private health insurance while here in the UK and if so will it cover pre-existing conditions?  If so then you can of course go the private specialist route.

The last option would be for you to make an appointment with a private hospital for the smear and pay out of pocket.  

Do you need to cancel your US health insurance?  If you are planning to move back to the States in just a few years' time and you are concerned about this and perhaps other health issues you might want to consider keeping your US health insurance.  Upon returning to the States will a new insurance policy cover pre-existing conditions?

Just as an FYI - I have a family history, so when I went for my first smear test in the UK (I was under 25 even! ), I explained this and nurse was happy to put me in the system as needing a test once a year instead of once every 3.  It was as simple as that - no need to worry! *shrug*

Yes, and I was told if I have any irregularities in mine (also a family history of issues...) that they would see me every six months for two years or so and then reassess to every year. The nurse did the smear with me, but the cells get sent to a lab...so she wasn't the one looking at them...

With your 'pre-existing' condition - I would very carefully check if your UK private insurance covers cervical conditions.

I had an abnormal pap here a few years ago - was on a 6 month check until I had 3 consecutive clear tests (18 months) - now i'm back to every 3 years. 

Definitely what Meggles said. Private insurance typically does NOT cover ANY pre-existing conditions. However, if you have it through an employer it *may*. Read your paperwork carefully.

As for what to do... I was in the same boat as you and received excellent care through the NHS. I was referred to a specialist and had a biopsy followed by smears every 6 months. Bring your medical notes, get registered with your local GP asap, and get in for an appt. They will either want to repeat a smear (just to have one on record in the UK), or refer you straight over to a specialist. If they don't, or you have problems registering at the GP (sometimes people do, but not often), let us know here.

Good luck!

Thanks, everyone - excellent advice, especially with regards to checking our private coverage. I've forwarded it all on to my husband to investigate.

Since I was just diagnosed with the most recent "issue" and surgery is Monday, and theoretically I'll be in Wales about the time i should be having a follow up appointment, I'm more concerned about the situation than normal

My husband says "We'll get it all figured out", but as with EVERYTHING else regarding this move, the "We", means Me - not him. 

Easy for him to say.

So so so true mommy grrl!  That is exactly what it means. I hear that from my man all of the time and things always fall to my shoulders.

Keep me updated on your situation. I have a history as well and was rather shocked to know that I wouldn't be available for a pap until 2012!!

I just had my very first UK GP appt. and want to switch doctors. I didn't like him at all and it felt very impersonal and even though I told him I had been running a fever for 2 days, he didn't even take my temperature while I was there.

Do you happen to know if you can switch doctors whenever you want or are you stuck with the place you originally picked?

Thanks,
Bridget

You should be able to switch GP's as long as they're accepting new patients and are in your PCT.

Lilb--
Did you ask your GP's office about the pap? Or do you have a local sexual health clinic? I'll admit; I go to the sexual health clinic for birth control and paps because it's quick and easy, but they signed me up for a pap right away just to get me set.  There was never a question of waiting for three years for the first one! In fact, I got TWO reminders sent to me that I needed to come in for one (I took like...a month? to schedule it because I was busy) so I would definitely look around for some sort of sexual health clinic if there is one.  They have been super pleasant and accommodating for me.

You should be able to switch GP's as long as they're accepting new patients and are in your PCT.

GPs have a defined cachement area, which can be only a couple of square miles in urban areas.  So you can't necessarily switch to any GP in your PCT, you also need to live within their cachement area.

GPs have a defined cachement area, which can be only a couple of square miles in urban areas.  So you can't necessarily switch to any GP in your PCT, you also need to live within their cachement area.

Depending on where you live, there might also be surgeries with a wider catchment area...for instance, we've got a surgery that accepts patients from anywhere in the local authority!  It really just depends.

Depending on where you live, there might also be surgeries with a wider catchment area...for instance, we've got a surgery that accepts patients from anywhere in the local authority!  It really just depends.

yes, there are some exceptions like that- you've just reminded me that most PCT's in England have just opened or about to open 'polyclinics', which are GP practices that operate kind of like a cross between a regular surgery and a walk in centre.  The one in Sheffield accepts registrations from anyone who lives in the city boundaries, I believe.