Low-Dose CT (LDCT) Lung Cancer Screening

Low-dose CT lung cancer screening is recommended for individuals between the ages of 50 – 77* with a history of heavy smoking (20 years one pack a day, two packs a day for 15 years, three packs a day for 10 years). Former smokers must have quit within the past 15 years.

*Insurance coverage may vary. Medicare and Medicaid covers for adults aged 50 to 77 years.

Low-dose CT lung cancer screenings are painless and typically last 15 minutes. You’ll lie on a table that rides on a track through the doughnut-shaped scanner. You’ll be asked to relax and lie still so that the machine can capture clear images. At times, you may be asked to hold your breath for up to 10 seconds. During the scan, you may hear low humming sounds from the CT machine as it rotates around you, producing images from different angles. These images are then studied on a computer screen by your radiologist.

Please arrive 15 minutes early.

One of our subspecialized physicians will review your scan and send a report to your physician. Your physician will contact you to discuss the results. If your scan is normal, you should repeat the screening in a year. If the radiologist detects a pulmonary nodule that raises concern, you may be asked to return for a diagnostic CT exam. Keep in mind that nodules detected on the screening exam are often determined to be benign granulomas or scars – not cancer – on the diagnostic study.

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This procedure requires a physician referral. Typically, your referring physician will schedule an appointment for you. If you have been asked to schedule the appointment yourself, please have your physician's order and any pre-authorization information required by your insurance or health plan provider in hand, and call 704-442-4390.

Most insurance providers cover annual low-dose CT lung cancer screenings if you meet high-risk criteria. Since insurance coverage may vary, please call 704-442-4390 so that we can help you determine your personal insurance coverage. If your insurance provider does not cover the screening, or if you do not have insurance, you will be billed at the time of service. If additional imaging is recommended as a follow-up, these scans are typically covered by insurance.