Where to Get the Test

Finding a Healthcare Provider to Order the digene HPV Test

Most physicians ask the lab to do an HPV test if a woman’s Pap result is inconclusive. However, you may need to look for a doctor or nurse who will routinely offer HPV testing for women 30 and over. To find a healthcare provider who will order the HPV test for all of their patients over 30, it is best to obtain a list of practices accepted by your health plan in the desired geographic area (if you do not have insurance coverage, click here for some low-cost HPV testing options that might be available in your area). Then, call their offices to determine if they are willing to do HPV testing at the same time as the Pap for women age 30 and older. (Many doctors' offices will order an HPV test if a woman's Pap result is inconclusive – called an "ASC-US" Pap. However, be sure to make it clear that you want an HPV test no matter what your Pap shows.)

Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide a referral service through this Web site, since a complete database of all healthcare providers offering HPV testing for cervical cancer screening does not exist, and since your insurance plan may dictate that you use certain physicians.

Even though some providers do not routinely order the HPV test for all of their patients over 30, physicians and nurses who respect their patients as partners in their own healthcare will honor your request. If the answer is still no, this is a good sign you might want to keep looking!

Remember: It's also important to find a doctor or nurse with whom you have good rapport. There's no way to determine that except to get recommendations from friends, "interview" the staff (who often reflect the philosophy of the practice), then go for a "test" appointment.