Cost Savings of HPV Testing Alone Versus Co-Testing for Cervical Cancer Screening at a Student-Run Free Clinic

  • Ali E Wells, MD University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
  • Kira K Zwygart, MD University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
  • Richard Roetzheim, MD University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
  • Eduardo Gonzalez, MD University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
Keywords: cancer screening, human papilloma virus, cervical cancer, cost savings, student-run clinic

Abstract

Background: Primary high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing is an approved alternative method of cervical cancer screening by the United States Preventative Services Task Force. The University of South Florida BRIDGE (Building Relationships and Initiatives Dedicated to Gaining Equality) Clinic is a student-run free clinic with limited screening resources, serving patients below the poverty line. This study aimed to determine the potential cost benefit of primary hrHPV testing in this population.

Methods: A retrospective observational study of clinic invoices and patient charts from January 2014 to December 2018 of women receiving cervical cancer screening by co-testing was performed.  

Results: BRIDGE spent $29,122.37 on screening over the five-year period for 128 patients. By elimi-nating cervical cytology, the clinic would have saved $11,594.34. Fifteen patients had abnormal results, ten of which were hrHPV-positive.

Conclusions: The $11,594 saved would allow BRIDGE to screen 110 more patients by primary hrHPV testing and another three by eliminating follow-up for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, hrHPV-negative results. One patient with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and negative hrHPV represents a 0.8% risk of missing precancerous lesions the clinic would assume by adopting primary hrHPV testing.

Published
2021-03-21
How to Cite
Wells, A., Zwygart, K., Roetzheim, R., & Gonzalez, E. (2021). Cost Savings of HPV Testing Alone Versus Co-Testing for Cervical Cancer Screening at a Student-Run Free Clinic. Journal of Student-Run Clinics, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.59586/jsrc.v7i1.233
Section
Original Study

Most read articles by the same author(s)