Avoiding Low-Value Care and Patient Financial Harm in Cervical Cancer Screening

The provision of low-value care remains a significant concern in healthcare. The negative impacts resulting from low-value cervical cancer screenings are extensive at the population level and can lead to harms and substantial out-of-pocket expenses for patients. Inattention to the financial implications of screening poses a serious threat to low-income populations that depend on affordable screening services, and it may exacerbate existing healthcare disparities and inequities. Identifying and implementing strategies that promote high-value care and reduce patient out-of-pocket expenses are important to ensure that all people, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have access to effective and affordable preventive care. See related article by Rockwell et al., p. 385.