Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral for a lung screening, but your healthcare provider can discuss your risks for lung cancer and help schedule you an appointment if you prefer.
How long will the screen take?
The CT scan takes less than 5 minutes, but please allow for time to fill out any necessary paperwork required at the imaging center.
Will insurance pay for the lung screening?
Your insurance company may or may not cover the cost of a CT scan for the detection of early stage lung cancer. If you and your doctor determine that you meet the recommended eligibility criteria, then it is likely that your insurance coverage will cover the scan. For questions regarding coverage, you should contact your insurance company prior to your scan. If your insurance company does not pay for the lung screening, then you may pay cash at most imaging centers. The average cost of a low dose CT scan ranges from $200-$400.
How often should I get screened?
The American Cancer Society recommends yearly screening for high risk patients until they reach 74 years of age.
What are the risks of lung screening?
While the radiation exposure of a low dose CT scan is minimal, it is still considered a risk. The amount of radiation for the lung screening is similar to the amount given for a mammogram which is considered the gold standard for breast cancer detection. Scans may also reveal nodules that are not cancerous, so the anxiety associated with false positives needs to be taken into consideration when making your decision.
How long does it take to get back my results?
Most imaging centers will have the results between 5-7 business days.