When self-collect is appropriate vs clinician-collected, co-test indications, result pathways and MBS items. NCSP-aligned reference, not advice.
From 1 July 2022, anyone eligible for cervical screening can choose self-collected vaginal or clinician-collected cervical. There are specific indications where a co-test is required and self-collection is not appropriate. Pick the scenario:
What to do next based on the HPV result and patient context.
A co-test requires a clinician-collected cervical sample — cytology cannot be performed on a self-collected vaginal swab. Co-test indications per NCSP Clinical Guidelines:
For all other indications — including routine 5-yearly, follow-up after a previous positive, exit testing 70–74, and immune-deficient patients — the patient can choose either self-collected or clinician-collected.
| Item | Test | Use | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73070 | HPV | Clinician-collected cervical, primary screening. Age ≥24y9m, once per 57 months. | $36.80 |
| 73071 | HPV | Self-collected vaginal, primary screening. Age ≥24y9m, once per 57 months. | $36.80 |
| 73072 | HPV | Specific populations / follow-up / symptoms / post-treatment / DES exposure. | $36.80 |
| 73074 | HPV | Investigation following total hysterectomy. | $36.80 |
| 73075 | HPV | Repeat after unsatisfactory result under 73070–73074. | $36.80 |
| 73076 | LBC | Liquid-based cytology on cervical/vaginal vault sample. Reflex when oncogenic HPV detected from clinician-collected; manual request after self-collected positive (not 16/18). | $48.30 |
Fees: MBS Book July 2026. Note: the old 73073 (referenced in pre-2024 NCSP guidance) is no longer a current MBS item — the structure was rebuilt.
The healthcare professional who requests the test is responsible for: facilitating swab access and return, requesting the test from the lab, and communicating results and follow-up. Within that framework, providers can develop models in collaboration with Aboriginal Health Workers and other health workers to best meet community needs.
In-person patients should be encouraged to collect the sample in clinic (improves return rate). Collection can happen anywhere the ordering clinician considers appropriate — including home/community in conjunction with telehealth. No requirement to supervise collection unless the patient prefers it. A provider can assist or take the swab without a speculum if the patient has difficulty or prefers — the sample is still classified as self-collected on the path request.
Do not defer if the patient is unlikely to return. The PCR-based HPV tests used under the NCSP have an inhibition/assay-failure control and can flag if blood has affected the result.
Confirm with your usual lab that they (a) process self-collected vaginal samples, or (b) have a referral arrangement with an accredited lab. Swab type varies by lab — order the correct swabs and consumables through them. The Department of Health publishes the list of accredited labs.
National Cancer Screening Register sends reminders to overdue patients automatically. Providers can access screening histories via the Provider Portal — useful when a patient is unsure of their last test date.
Repeat as soon as practical — no 6–12 week wait required for vaginal samples (unlike cervical cytology). Bill the repeat under 73075. Cellularity and inhibition controls flag unsatisfactory samples; an empty/insufficient sample will not give a false “HPV not detected”.
A single HPV test between 20 and 24 is permitted if first sexual activity was <14 years and the patient was not HPV-vaccinated before first sexual activity. The Guidelines note this test is not actively recommended due to a lack of evidence of value. Medicare reimbursement for this scenario was added from 1 November 2022.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening in patients ≤29 is routine. Ask your lab whether a separate swab is needed alongside the HPV swab — this varies.
Routine speculum inspection is not necessary in asymptomatic patients attending for screening. Examine when a clinical indication exists (discharge, abnormal bleeding) or when there's a higher risk of vulvar disease.
Reference information for healthcare professionals. Always follow the current NCSP Clinical Guidelines and use clinical judgment.