Bulletin 250203 — Ontario Cervical Screening Program update: HPV testing
Ontario is introducing the human papillomavirus (HPV) test in the Ontario Cervical Screening Program on March 3, 2025
To: All Physicians
Category: Physician Services
Written by: Provider Services Branch, Physician and Provider Services Division
Date issued: March 3, 2025
Bulletin Number: 250203
Overview
The 2021–24 Physician Services Agreement (PSA) established the ongoing Physician Payment Committee (PPC). The Ministry of Health and the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) formed the PPC with a mandate to modernize the Schedule of Benefits (schedule).
The PPC has been engaged in a review of the schedule in light of upcoming changes to the Ontario Cervical Screening Program (OCSP). The OCSP is the province-wide screening program that provides access to cervical cancer screening. The OCSP’s updated guidelines are being implemented effective March 3, 2025, and will replace cervical cytology ("Pap" testing) with human papillomavirus (HPV) laboratory testing as the primary screening test.
Based on recommendations made by the PPC, amendments to modernize the Schedule in alignment with cervical cancer screening guidelines are being implemented effective March 3, 2025.
Overview of schedule changes
Amendments have been made to the schedule effective March 3, 2025 to:
- remove references to Papanicolaou (Pap) smear and replace with more appropriate service description, collection of cervical cancer screening specimen(s), and
- update eligibility criteria for insured collection of cervical cancer screening specimen(s) and colposcopy, in alignment with the OCSP guidelines.
Please note, amendments have been made to the fee code descriptors and payment rules for the following fee codes: G365A, G394A, E430A, E431A, Z731A, Z787A and Z730A. Physicians can continue to submit claims for cervical cancer screening and colposcopy services using the existing fee codes listed above.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing in Ontario
HPV testing is reflective of advances in technology that will benefit Ontarians. The HPV test is more accurate than cytology and will improve detection of cervical pre-cancer. The improved performance of HPV testing allows for longer intervals between screens for people who test negative for HPV.
In preparation for this change, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) has developed a number of resources for physicians. These resources are available online on the HPV testing implementation resource hub at ontariohealth.ca/hpvhub.
Keywords/Tags
Cervical cancer screening; HPV; G365A
Contact information
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