Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening

Call 502.316.5895

What is a Low-Dose CT Screening?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among both men and women in the United States. Patient usually show no obvious signs of lung cancer until it is in a late stage, when it is difficult to treat. Lung cancer screening is used to detect lung cancer early, when it is more treatable. A low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan is recommended for people at high risk for lung cancer.

If you are a current or former smoker, a low-dose CT screening could save your life! Discuss your medical history, the risks of screening and benefits with your doctor. In order to be covered by Medicare, you must visit your doctor and have an order. Your provider may schedule a low-dose CT lung cancer screening by calling 833.234.4050.

It's A Yearly Check

Lung cancer screening is a regular preventive health check, like a mammogram or colonoscopy. It checks your lungs while you are healthy and looks for any changes from year to year.

When is LDCT lung cancer screening recommended?

Early detection of lung cancer in high-risk patients is critical. You are considered high risk if you:

- - Are between the ages of 50 and 77 (Medicare covers up to 77 years of age, but private insurance may cover up to 80 years of age), and
  - Have a smoking history of 20 pack years (1 pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years), and
  - Currently smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years

Other risk factors include:

Radon or occupational carcinogen exposure (asbestos, arsenic, diesel fumes, etc.)
Family history of lung cancer
COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
Personal history of cancer or lymphoma

Is This Screening Covered By My Insurance?

Your insurance may or may not cover the cost of a low-dose CT screening for detection of early-stage lung cancer. This screening is covered by Medicare when ordered by your doctor after a lung cancer screening counseling appointment. Most commercial insurance plans follow Medicare guidelines and may require a precertification based on individual policy criteria. Check with your insurance plan to find out about your screening coverage. Cost of self-pay is $150 and will be due at the time of service. A flexible spending account may be used to cover the cost of this screening.

What Happens During A Lung Cancer Screening?

During the screening, an LDCT scan creates a detailed 3-D picture of your lungs. This scan will expose you to a low dose of radiation. LDCT uses 90% less radiation than a traditional CT scan and does not require any needles or medicines. Your doctor or provider may ask for more tests if he or she sees something on the scan.

How Will The Findings Be Interpreted & Reported?

The study will be reviewed and interpreted by a board certified radiologist. Please note you may receive a separate bill from the radiologist. The report will be sent to the provider that ordered the low-dose CT screen and they will be informed if additional follow-up is needed. A nurse navigator will follow up on all positive results.

What You Can Do

If you are a smoker, start a plan to quit. We can help!
Make your home and work environment smoke-free.
Be aware of occupational exposures.

If you are still smoking, talk to your provider about ways to help you quit. Georgetown Community Hospital offers Freedom From Smoking®. Small groups will meet once a week for seven weeks to:

Learn how to prepare to quit

Medicines that can help you stop smoking (Partnering with Wedco District Health Department for Nicotine Replacement Therapy)
Managing stress
Avoiding weight gain
Establish a Quit Day
Develop the skills to remain smoke-free
Find support for maintaining a smoke-free lifestyle
To register for the Freedom from Smoking® program or for more information on lung cancer screening, please call Miranda Harrison at 502.316.5895

Next Steps

What happens next?

Your medical provider will call you soon after your screening to explain your results and discuss any additional necessary medical care. If the CT scan were to detect any potentially cancerous nodules, another screening may be needed after a few months to monitor your lungs’ conditions. Regardless of your results, annual screenings are recommended, as yearly low-dose CT scans have been shown to decrease mortality in patients who had increased risk due to smoking.

Is This Screening Covered By My Insurance?

Medicare now covers the cost of low-dose CT screening for high risk patients. Many private health insurers provide coverage as well. Your physician will give you more specific details about eligibility and costs during your consultation.

Remember…

A LDCT screening can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages, but it cannot prevent or cure disease. The only way to stop cancer before it starts is to stop smoking. If you think you may be ready to quit, talk to your primary care provider for guidance and helpful tips.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among both men and women in the United States. Patient usually show no obvious signs of lung cancer unitl it is in a late stage, when it is difficult to treat. Lung cancer screening is used to detect lung cancer early, when it is more treatable. A low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan is recommended for people at high risk for lung cancer.