The Surest guide to cervical cancer

You have so much to think about with a cancer diagnosis—the last thing you should have to worry about is your insurance. Surest offers comprehensive cancer care coverage. Use this resource to better understand treatment options and your coverage on the Surest plan.

Clinical Advocacy

The Surest clinical team can help you:

Understand your treatment options
Find in-network providers
Coordinate care transitions
Connect you with helpful resources

I'd like some help.

Types of doctors commonly involved in cervical cancer care

Several types of doctors and clinical professionals may be involved in your care. The doctors you see will be specialists in your diagnosis and may include:

Gynecologists diagnosing and treating conditions of the female reproductive system
Gynecologic oncologists specializing in cancers of the female reproductive system (can perform surgery and prescribe chemotherapy and other medicines)
Medical oncologists specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer
Radiation oncologists specializing in radiation therapy to treat cancer
Surgical oncologists with special training in cancer surgery

Search the Surest app or website for specialty provider or doctor’s name.

Copays can vary based on who delivers the service and where that service is provided. Surest copays (prices) are often lower for providers who may help you get better, faster. Share this information with your primary care doctor or oncologist.

Style

CTA, align center

Common cervical cancer tests

Laboratory tests

Urine and blood tests

Many urine and blood tests are covered at a $0 copay. Search for the name of the test on the Surest app to see your copay.
The price for advanced laboratory tests can be found by searching the name of the test on the Surest app. If you can’t find a specific test, call Member Services at the number on your Surest member ID card for assistance.

If your labs are drawn during a provider visit, a copay for the provider visit will apply. Make sure the locations match.

Genetic testing

Genetic testing is used to look for inherited gene mutations that might put someone at higher risk of getting certain kinds of cancer
These tests may need authorization before the test is done. Your provider will initiate this process with Surest.
Genetic testing prices will vary depending on the type of test and how it’s done

Imaging tests

The cost for an in-network X-ray or ultrasound is a $0 copay. Prices for other imaging tests vary based on location. Search the Surest app for the name of the imaging test to compare and potentially identify lower-cost options. Note the copay is based on the exact location, not the health care system/group. Ask your provider to send your imaging test orders to the location you choose.

Common advanced imaging tests

CT scan: A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of parts of your body and the structures inside your body. During the test, you will lie on a table that is attached to the CT scanner. The CT scanner is a large doughnut-shaped machine.
MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. When you have an MRI, you lie on a table and your body is moved into the MRI machine, where an image is taken of the area of the body being studied.
PET scan: Positron emission tomography (PET) scans use a doughnut-shaped special type of camera, and a radioactive substance called a "tracer" to look at organs in the body. A computed tomography (CT) scan is often done at the same time as a PET scan.
Bone scan: A bone scan is a test that identifies new areas of bone growth or breakdown. During a bone scan, a small amount of radioactive substance (radionuclide) is injected into the bloodstream. A camera takes pictures of the location of the radioactive substance in the bone.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a sample of tissue collected from an organ or other part of the body. The sample is then examined by a doctor trained to look at tissue samples (pathologist). The procedure of collecting the sample of tissue or cells is also called a biopsy. Common biopsies for cervical cancer:

Colposcopy biopsy, noninvasive procedure to help detect cancer cells
Cold knife conization (cone biopsy) to remove tissue from the cervix
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) conization/biopsy to remove cervical dysplasia/abnormal cells in the cervix

Your provider will discuss the type of biopsy that makes sense for your situation.

The copay for a biopsy procedure depends on the type of biopsy needed and the location the procedure is performed. A biopsy can be done in an office or as an outpatient procedure. Search for the name of the biopsy on the Surest app to find in-network locations, both office and outpatient, and your copay amount.

Help making decisions about treatments

With an increasing number of cancer treatments available, it’s common to feel uncertain about your treatment plan and the path ahead. Our clinical team can help you understand your options.

They can also help you find doctors for a second opinion on your treatment plan. This consultation is covered by your Surest plan and provides another viewpoint from a specialist. Search the Surest app/website for the provider specialty (“oncologist,” for example) and “find providers” to see area in-network providers in that specialty, along with associated copay amounts. Call the provider’s office you choose and schedule a second opinion consultation.

Common cervical cancer treatments

Surgery

Surgery is used to prevent, diagnose, stage, and treat cancer. Surgery can also relieve discomfort or problems related to cancer.

Common types of surgery that may be recommended for cervical cancer include:

Simple hysterectomy, which removes the body of the uterus and the cervix
Radical hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, tissues next to the uterus, the cervix, and the upper part of the vagina next to the cervix. Typically, lymph nodes will also be removed and tested.
Trachelectomy, which removes the cervix and the upper part of the vagina, but not the body of the uterus

You will find the copay for most surgeries by looking up the name of the surgery on the Surest app or website. You can compare copays among providers and locations. Many providers practice at multiple locations, so be sure to ask about location choices.

Radiation treatment

Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves to destroy or damage cancer cells and to help keep them from growing. Radiation may be delivered by a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or inside your body (brachytherapy).

Copays for radiation visits are applied per session and the cost depends on the location. Search the Surest app for the type of radiation therapy and “find provider.” Some types of radiation therapy may need prior authorization. Your doctor can initiate this process with Surest.

Drug treatment

Drug treatments include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy. These medicines can be given by infusion, injection, or administered as pills.

Injections and infusions can be given in an inpatient facility or an outpatient setting. A copay will apply each time you go in for an infusion or injection. The copay amount is available on the Surest app by searching the name of the medicine.
Your doctor may recommend an implanted port or central venous line for the delivery of your drug treatment. Search for the procedure on the Surest app to view your cost for this.
The cost of pills will depend on the type of medication you need. Search the name of the medicine on the Surest app to see your copay. You may be directed to an outside pharmacy site if your pharmacy information is separate from Surest. If you see that prompt, follow the directions to see medication costs.
Some medications may need prior authorization. Your in-network provider can initiate this process with Surest if needed.

Other services that may be helpful

Dietitian

A visit to a dietitian—and understanding the role of nutrition—can help limit side effects during treatment. Your nutritional needs can ebb and flow as your treatment changes. The copay will depend on the dietitian you see.

Home care

Home care (home health care) services are usually provided through a home health agency. They can offer different types of home care services using nurses, therapists, social workers, home care aides, and medical equipment.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture applies needles, heat, pressure, and other treatments to specific places on the skin, called acupoints. This can help control symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and nausea.

Palliative care

Palliative care can improve quality of life when you have cervical cancer. Palliative care addresses symptoms and side effects, as well as any related psychological, social, or spiritual concerns. Palliative care does not include respite care or hospice services.

Support for stress, anxiety, and uncertainty

A cancer diagnosis often affects the emotional health of patients, families, and caregivers. You are not alone, Surest is here to help.

You have benefits for both in-person and telehealth mental health care. Look on the Surest app under “mental health therapy” to find your copay.
Clinical advocates can help you find care.

I'd like some help.

Resources

Member Services can help you with questions about your benefits. Call the number on your Surest ID card for assistance.

Was this helpful?

Yes

This content is not medical advice. You should always consult with your health care professional.