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Posted Aug 09 2012
The 8 New Preventive Health Care Services Available for Women
Type: Trusted Advisors
Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) put into effect  guidelines that require non-grandfathered health plans to provide women’s preventive services free of charge to participants. The new guidelines will apply to non-grandfathered group health plans for plan years beginning on or after August 1, 2012. Group health plans and issuers that have maintained grandfathered status are not required to cover these services.

The HHS appointed the Institute of Medicine (IOM), an independent organization, to conduct a review and provide recommendations on specific preventive measures related to women’s health needs. The IOM consulted independent physicians, nurses, scientists, and other experts as well as evidence-based research to develop its recommendations
 
Under the PPACA, forty-seven million women will now have access to eight new prevention-relatedhealth care services:
 
  • Well-woman visits
This would include an annual well-woman preventive care visit for adult women to obtain the recommended preventive services.
 
  • Gestational diabetes screening
This screening is for women 24 to 28 weeks pregnant, and those at high risk of developing gestational diabetes.
 
  • HPV DNA testing
Women who are 30 or older will have access to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing every three years.
 
  • STI counseling, and HIV screening and counseling
Women will have access to annual counseling on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
 
  • Contraception and contraceptive counseling
Women will have access to all FDA approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures, patient education and counseling. These recommendations do not include abortifacient drugs.
 
  • Breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling
Pregnant and postpartum women will have access to comprehensive lactation support and counseling from trained professionals.
 
  • Domestic violence screening

A more detailed description of the “Guidelines for Women’s Preventive Services” can be found at: www.hrsa.gov/womensguidelines/
 
Do you think the IOM chose the right health care services? Share your opinions with us on our Facebook page or Tweet us, @PrescottPailet.
 
(Photoby roidinc)
 
Tags: womens health; department of health and human services; preventive services; institute of medicine; new health care service