The BC Cancer Screening program has implemented a facilitated referral process that ‘fast-tracks’ cervix screening participants that require colposcopy follow-up. The new process will reduce wait times for cytology follow-up and improve adherence to follow-up by ensuring patients are referred for colposcopy quickly. When the Cervix Screening Program receives a cervix screening result that recommends colposcopy follow-up, it will send a referral to a colposcopy clinic based on the patient’s postal code. Primary care providers will receive a Notice of Referral indicating that a patient has been referred for colposcopy by the program on their behalf.
BC Cancer Cervix Screening will begin recalling patients directly with mailed reminder letters when they are due for re-screening. Previously, a patient primary care provider was notified when their patient was due for re-screening.
Patients will receive reminder letters 8 weeks before their due date and on their due date. If the Cervix Screening program does not receive a Pap result by 12 weeks after the patient’s due date, a notice will be sent to the primary care provider. This recall protocol is based on the recommendation of a BC Cancer Screening Primary Care Provider Working Group.