Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Symptoms of lung cancer usually do not appear until the disease reaches an advanced stage. Yearly lung screenings with low-dose CT has been shown to save lives by finding lung cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective.
This screening program is recommended for those that meet the criteria of the National Cancer Institute’s Lung Cancer Screening Program.
Am I eligible for the Lung Screening Program?
- Individuals should be between the ages of 55 and 77
- 30 pack-year history of smoking (meaning one pack per day for 30 years, two packs a day for 15 years, etc.)
- Current smoker, or have quit smoking within the last 15 years
For physicians seeking to refer a patient for a low-dose CT screening, please ensure that your patient has a written order for this screening with LDCT. Written orders for Lung Cancer LDCT Screenings must be appropriately documented in the patient’s medical record and must contain the following information:
- Date of birth
- Actual pack-year smoking history
- Current smoking status. For former smokers, the number of years since quitting
- A statement that the beneficiary is asymptomatic
- The National Provider Identifier (NPI) of the ordering physician.
Learn more about how to schedule an appointment or refer a patient to our oncology specialists here at West Cancer Center.