We all know how frustrating it can be to fill out the mounds of paperwork given to us at a doctor’s visit. However, this paperwork is very important for you to receive quality care and to ensure your visits are filed properly with your insurance carrier. For some people, information such as phone numbers, address and insurance changes frequently. Likewise, health information may also change from visit to visit. Surgeries, family illnesses, and treatment received by other specialists will help your doctor diagnosis a problem more quickly. Accuracy is extremely important in healthcare.

Since most abnormal Pap smears are attributed to human papilloma virus (HPV), which is predominantly transmitted through sexual activity, it is felt that Pap smears should begin when a young woman is involved in sexual activity. In addition, a young woman should be seen by a physician or other health care provider if she experiences other symptoms related to her female organs, such as irregular bleeding, pelvic or abdominal pain, or vaginal discharge. Certainly, most women should obtain a Pap smear by age 18 - 21 regardless of whether or not they have become sexually active.