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Low Dose CT (LDCT)

LUNG CANCER SCREENING

Early detection is a proven, successful strategy for fighting many forms of cancer. Lung screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is recommended for people at high risk for lung cancer. It is the only recommended screening test for the disease.

SHOULD I GET A LUNG CT SCAN?

The US Preventative Services Task Force, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association and American Medical Association recommends low-dose CT screening as a means to reduce the likelihood that an individual at high risk for lung cancer will die of lung cancer. However, individuals considering low-dose CT screening should understand the following points:

  1. Smoking cessation remains the most effective way of reducing the risk of developing lung cancer. The single best way to prevent lung cancer is to never start smoking.

  2. Medicare/Medicaid and most insurance companies may not cover the cost of low-dose CT screening. However, any follow-up care required after the exam will likely be covered by your insurance or Medicare/Medicaid.

  3. A low-dose CT scan has the potential for revealing abnormalities that are not caused by lung cancer and that you did not expect. These findings may require that you be subjected to additional diagnostic procedures, which have their associated risks and costs.

  4. While low-dose CT scans tend to expose you to less radiation than normal CT scans, you will nevertheless be exposed to radiation.

DO I QUALIFY FOR A LDCT LUNG SCREENING?

The American College of Radiology has set specific requirements for those individuals who may be seeking LDCT Lung Screening. The recommended screening population is listed below:

  1. Patients who are between the ages of 50-80

  2. A smoking history of at least 20 “pack-years”. This calculates to 1 pack a day for 20 years, or 2 packs a day for 10 years, etc. You can calculate your individual pack years by going to : www.smokingpackyears.com

  3. If no longer smoking, must have stopped smoking within the past 20 years.

  4. General health should be free of any life-limiting comorbid conditions. The chest/lung area should be free of any metallic implants or devices, which will degrade the images.

  5. Have a written order for the LDCT from your physician following a lung cancer screening counseling and shared decision-making visit.

  6. *Written orders for both the initial and subsequent LDCT lung cancer screenings are required.