HEDIS^® Tip Sheet

Medical Records should include:

• For women between the age of 24 and 64 years who had cervical cytology:
  • A note indicating the date when the cervical cytology was performed.
  • The results or findings.
• For women between the age of 30 and 64 years who had cervical high risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing during the measurement year of the four years prior to the measurement year and who were 30 years or older as of the date of testing:
  • A note indicating the date when the hrHPV test was performed.
  • The results or findings.

Medical Record Documentation that is not acceptable:

• Lab results indicating that the sample was inadequate or that “no cervical cells were present”.
• Biopsies are not to be included as they are diagnostic and therapeutic, therefore are not for primary cervical cancer screening.

Exclusions

• History of hysterectomy with no residual cervix, cervical agenesis or acquired absence of cervix
• Members with sex assigned at birth of male.
• Members in hospice during the measurement year.
• Members who received palliative care during the measurement year.
• Members who died during the measurement year.

Best Practices

• Participate in state-sponsored screening initiatives, such as ScreeND, to support preventive care outreach and education.
• Review patient charts prior to appointments to identify screening status and confirm the date of the most recent cervical cancer screening.
• Implement standing orders to facilitate timely screening for eligible patients.
• Utilize electronic medical record (EMR) tools to flag gaps in care and prompt screening opportunities during patient encounters.
• Educate providers and patients on current cervical cancer screening guidelines and the importance of early detection and preventive care.
• Develop and participate in women's health events that promote preventive services, including cervical cancer screening and education.
• Offer evidence-based self-collection screening options, when available and clinically appropriate, to patients who are hesitant or decline traditional cervical cancer screening, helping reduce barriers and improve screening participation.