A well woman exam is a yearly preventive visit focused on reproductive and overall health: screenings, vaccines, contraception and pregnancy planning, and a chance to talk about anything that’s bothering you.
Here’s what to expect, which screenings you need at each age and how it’s covered. Test yourself with the well woman exam quiz.
Key takeaways
- Most private plans cover a yearly well-woman visit at no cost in-network (ACA).
- A pelvic exam isn’t required at every visit.
- Cervical screening starts at 21; mammograms every 2 years from 40 (USPSTF).
- Medicare covers Pap tests and pelvic exams every 24 months (12 if high risk).
USA Well Woman Exam: Quick Facts
- How often
- Yearly
- Cost (ACA plans)
- $0 in-network
- Pap/HPV
- Starting at 21, every 3–5 years
- Mammogram
- Every 2 years, ages 40–74
- Bone density
- From 65 (earlier if at risk)
- Folic acid
- 400 mcg/day if you could become pregnant
What Happens at a Well Woman Exam
- Health history, menstrual history, medications and family history
- Blood pressure, weight and BMI
- Breast assessment as appropriate (see breast exam)
- Pelvic exam and Pap/HPV test when due or when you have symptoms (see pelvic exam)
- Contraception, pregnancy planning or menopause counseling
- Screening for depression, intimate partner violence and STIs as recommended
- Vaccines such as HPV, Tdap and flu
Well Woman Screenings by Age
| Age | Common recommendations |
|---|---|
| 13–20 | First reproductive health visit at 13–15; HPV vaccine; STI screening if sexually active |
| 21–29 | Pap test every 3 years; chlamydia and gonorrhea screening under 25 |
| 30–39 | HPV test every 5 years (or co-test, or Pap every 3 years) |
| 40–64 | Mammogram every 2 years; colorectal screening from 45; cervical screening continues |
| 65+ | Bone density screening; cervical screening may stop after adequate normal results |
Well Woman Exam Cost and Coverage
Under the Affordable Care Act, most private plans cover well-woman preventive visits without cost-sharing when you see an in-network provider. Extra services for new problems may be billed separately. Medicare doesn’t have a “well-woman visit” by that name. It covers Pap tests and pelvic exams every 24 months (12 months if high risk) plus the Annual Wellness Visit.
More on Well Woman Exam Cost and Coverage →How to Prepare
- Note the first day of your last period.
- Bring a list of medications, supplements and questions.
- Update your family history (breast, ovarian, colon cancer).
- You can request a chaperone and decline any part of the exam.
Well Woman Exam ICD-10 Codes
Common ICD-10-CM codes: Z01.419 (encounter for gynecological exam, general or routine, without abnormal findings) and Z01.411 (with abnormal findings). Codes for Pap smears and screening depend on the services performed. Always follow current payer guidance. Coders can learn more with the CPC exam.
More on Well Woman Exam ICD-10 Codes →Free practice test
Ready to test yourself?
Choose your test length, practice with instant feedback or take it exam-style, and get your score with an explanation for every answer.
Go to the USA Well Woman Exam practice test →USA Well Woman Exam FAQs
What is a well woman exam?
A yearly preventive visit covering reproductive and overall health: screenings, vaccines, counseling and, when due, a pelvic exam and Pap/HPV test.
Full answer →Is a well woman exam free?
Most private plans cover it at no cost in-network under the ACA. Services for new problems may be billed separately.
Full answer →Do I need a pelvic exam every year?
No. Pelvic exams and Pap tests are done based on your age, screening schedule and symptoms.
Full answer →At what age should you start well woman exams?
ACOG recommends a first reproductive health visit between ages 13 and 15, usually without an internal exam.
Full answer →Does Medicare cover a well woman exam?
Medicare covers Pap tests and pelvic exams every 24 months (12 if high risk) and a yearly Annual Wellness Visit.
Full answer →Official sources
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Coverage, prices and requirements change and vary by provider and location. Confirm details with your provider, insurer or the agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.