Lung Cancer Screening Program
Lung cancer kills more Americans than any other cancer, causing an estimated 160,000 deaths each year.
Low-Dose CT Screening
The only recommended screening test for lung cancer is low-dose computed tomography (CT). This is a painless imaging test using a series of X-rays from many angles with low doses of radiation to capture detailed pictures of the lungs.
Are You Eligible for Screening?
A yearly lung cancer screening is recommended for individuals who meet the following criteria. To be eligible you must:
- Be between 50 and 80 years old (and individuals as young as 50 may be eligible for screening with certain health insurance coverage)
- Have smoked the equivalent of at least one pack a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for 10 years
- Be a current smoker with the history above, or be a former smoker with the same history who quit within the past 15 years
- Have the ability to lie on your back with arms raised above your head.
If you are a candidate for the screening program, you will need an order from your doctor. Please let us know if you need help obtaining this order.
Costs of Screening
Most insurance carriers cover the cost of low-dose CT scans in patients who meet the eligibility requirements. Please speak with our nurse coordinator about out-of-pocket costs if your insurance does not cover these scans
Scheduling a Screening
An order from a provider is required to schedule a screening. Patients with an order from a provider, can call central scheduling at 518-525-1401. Patients in need assistance with getting an order, please contact our nurse navigator and the number listed below.
Speak With a Nurse Coordinator
For program information or assistance getting an order from a provider, please contact our nurse navigator.
Call Today: (518) 525-3140Lung Cancer Screening FAQs
People between the ages of 50 to 80, who have a significant cigarette smoking history, who have quit within the last 10 years or who continue to smoke, should have a scan as part of routine health screening.
A lung cancer screening CT scan takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. There is no injection or contrast to drink.
Medicare will cover preventative care scans. Most commercial insurers will pay for low-dose CT lung cancer screening scans as long as prior authorization is obtained.
Your results are automatically sent to your doctor. For any incidental findings, your doctor will contact you and the nurse coordinator will assist in arranging follow-up care.
About 26% of people who receive a lung cancer screening CT scan have some kind of abnormality for which follow up is recommended. The vast majority of these abnormalities are NOT cancer. Only about 1% of people who receive a lung cancer screening CT scan are diagnosed with cancer. Any abnormal result will be communicated to your doctor. You will be provided with information regarding recommended follow up. You may also contact the nurse coordinator at (518) 525-3140, if you have additional questions.