Lung Screening

Service Description

Should you be screened for Lung Cancer? What is a CT Lung Screening? A low-dose CT scan of the chest for lung cancer is similar to a mammography screening for breast cancer. Both can detect cancer in its early stages and save lives. It is estimated that lung cancer deaths can be reduced by 20%, or up to 22,000 lives can be saved by this screening each year. Who should be screened? People with a history of cigarette smoking have a high risk of lung cancer. In fact, tobacco use accounts for almost 90% of all lung cancers. The more cigarettes you smoke per day and the earlier you started smoking, the greater your risk of lung cancer. Not everyone should be screened for lung cancer. Government guidelines, updated in 2022, recommend a lung cancer screening if you meet the following criteria: ■ You are between 50 and 77 years old. ■ Have a smoking history of at least “20 pack-years” Examples: • Smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years • Smoked 2 packs a day for 10 years • Calculate your “Pack Years” smoking history. ■ You are a current Smoker, or have quit within the last 15 years. Next Steps if you meet the criteria above: ■ You will need to talk with your doctor to decide if screening is right for you. ■ A doctor’s order is required to be scheduled for screening. What can I expect? The exam takes only a few minutes and we strive to have you in and out in less than an hour. Insurance companies may provide coverage to patients that meet the eligibility. Check with your provider. We’ll call you with your results in 24-48 hours. Do I need a physician referral? For Medicare and some private insurance plans, you need to have a “shared decision making” visit with your physician to be referred for a lung CT screening exam. How much will the screening cost? Insurance companies may provide coverage to patients that meet the eligibility in Category 1. Check with your provider. You may be required to pay a deductible or co-insurance amount, which will be payable at the time of your test. How quickly will I receive results? We will call you with your results the next business day. To set up an appointment for a lung cancer screening test, call 855-399-LUNG (5864) and speak to our Nurse Navigator to set up a lung screening CT exam.