Dr. Saadiyah Rao offers cervical screening at Highbury Medical Clinic for patients who prefer a female physician. A referral and booked appointment are required.

How to request a referral through Ocean or fax · Highbury location and directions

Pap tests and Ontario’s HPV-based cervical screening

You may know cervical screening as a Pap test or Pap smear. Ontario changed its routine screening program to primary HPV testing in March 2025. Dr. Rao will assess which screening or follow-up test is appropriate for your history; HPV and Pap tests are not interchangeable names for the same laboratory test.

Screening checks for HPV types linked to cervical cancer and, when indicated, abnormal cervical cell changes. A clinician collects cells from the cervix using a small, soft brush. Most eligible people are screened every five years, but your results and medical history can change the recommended interval.

Referrals from family doctors and walk-in physicians

Ask your family doctor or a walk-in physician to assess whether cervical screening is appropriate.
The referring physician sends the referral through Ocean or by fax to (519) 204-9294, addressed to Dr. Saadiyah Rao at Highbury Medical Clinic for cervical screening with a female physician.
After the referral is received and reviewed, the clinic contacts you about arranging an appointment. Please ensure your referring clinic has your current contact details.

Fax referrals
To: Highbury Medical Clinic
Attention: Dr. Saadiyah Rao
Fax: (519) 204-9294

This is a referral-based, booked service. Arriving as a walk-in does not reserve a cervical-screening appointment with Dr. Rao. If you do not have a family doctor, a walk-in physician can assess you and send an appropriate referral. A referral submission does not confirm an appointment or a particular waiting time.

For referring clinicians: please use Ocean or the clinic fax to send the reason for referral, relevant screening history and prior results, and current patient contact information. Do not send patient records through the website’s general inquiry form or ordinary email.

Who should have cervical screening?

Ontario’s routine program is for people with a cervix who are at least 25, have ever had sexual contact, have an OHIP number, have no symptoms and are due under the program’s recommendations. Your clinician determines whether screening or another assessment is appropriate. People who have had HPV vaccination may still need screening.

If you have unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, seek medical assessment rather than waiting for routine screening. A screening appointment does not replace assessment of symptoms.

Your appointment with a female physician

Dr. Rao will explain the examination and discuss your questions before proceeding. Tell her about any concerns or preferences. You can ask to pause or stop the examination. Bring your health card, a medication list and any screening results or reminder letters you have. Follow the preparation instructions provided when your appointment is arranged.

Coverage and results

Ontario states that cervical screening is provided without charge to eligible participants in the Ontario Cervical Screening Program. Eligibility and any services outside that program should be checked before your visit.

Ask at your appointment how your results and any necessary follow-up will be communicated. Do not assume that no message means a normal result.

Official Ontario screening information

Ontario guidance reviewed October 19, 2026. Individual screening and follow-up decisions depend on clinical assessment.