Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.
But the good news is that we can often treat lung cancer if we find it early. That's why screenings are so important.
A low dose chest CT scan is currently the best way to screen for lung cancer. It is quick, painless and non-invasive. This exam does not require the use of contrast dye.
You may be eligible for lung cancer screening if you:
- Are 50 to 80 years old*
- Are a current cigarette smoker or have quit smoking within the last 15 years
- Have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years. (Pack-years is the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day multiplied by the number of years smoked)
- Have no symptoms that could be related to lung cancer
- Have not had a chest CT in the last 12 months
*Most insurance providers cover the cost of annual screenings. Their age requirements may differ. Please check with your specific provider for coverage.
Schedule Your Screening
(585) 922-5285
Lung Cancer Screening Locations
Find a lung cancer screening location near you. Schedule your lung screening today by calling us at (585) 922-5285.
Considerations when having a Lung Cancer Screening
Approximately 25% of all people who have a screening for lung cancer are found to have small spots, or nodules, in the lungs. It is important to know that only three or four out of 100 lung nodules are found to be cancer. The majority of these spots are small scars that will not affect your health.
In order to determine if these spots are cancerous, further testing may be required. Monitoring the growth of the nodules over time with follow up scans may be necessary.
Lung cancer screening scans expose people to a low dose of radiation. For former or current cigarette smokers, screening benefits may outweigh potential harm from radiation. When you enter our lung cancer screening program we will discuss the many factors you should consider prior to your screening.
Frequently Asked Lung Cancer Screening Questions
What is lung cancer screening?
Lung cancer screening is a non-invasive process used to detect the presence of lung cancer in people who do not have any symptoms. The process is completed by using a low-dose computerized tomography (LDCT) scan of the lungs to look for abnormalities in the lungs that could be cancer.
Who should get screened?
People between the ages of 50-80 (Medicare will only cover up to age 77) AND currently smoke cigarettes or have quit smoking cigarettes in the last 15 years AND have a 20 pack year history of smoking or greater
- Take the average number of packs you smoke per day and multiply it by the number of years you have smoked. For example, someone who smoked 1 pack per day for 20 years has a 20 pack year history. Someone who has smoked 2 packs per day for 20 years has a 40 pack year history.
How often should I get screened?
Lung cancer screening is recommended once a year for as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
Who pays for lung cancer screening?
Most insurance companies are required to cover lung cancer screening under the Affordable Care Act without cost sharing for eligible patients.
The CPT Code billed to insurance for a LDCT is 71271. You can provide this code to your insurance company to verify coverage for screening.
If you are notified that a prior authorization is needed, the ordering office is responsible for obtaining this for you.
How long will the Low Dose CT Scan take?
We ask that you arrive to your appointment 15 minutes early to allow time for check in. The scan takes less than 5 minutes from laying on the table to completing the image, but the scan itself is under 1 minute.
Is there any prep for a Low Dose CT Scan?
- You may eat and drink as normal prior to scan, as this scan is completed without contrast
- You may be asked some questions in regards to your smoking history
- Avoid wearing any metal - all neck jewelry will need to be removed
- You may be asked to change into a gown
Support to avoid tobacco use
Regardless of your screening decision, avoiding smoking is the most powerful way to lower your chance of suffering from not only lung cancer, but emphysema, heart attacks, and many other health issues. We know you often hear people tell you “Just Quit”; we know it isn’t that easy. We are here to help you in your journey to quit smoking.
Learn More About Our Smoking Cessation Program
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