Premier Imaging Expands Lung Cancer Screenings Reach

Premier Pulse     November 2023 Nov 30, 2023

By Tracy Short, director of ambulatory imaging, Premier Health

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Unfortunately, lung cancer screening continues to live in the shadows when it comes to overall awareness. According to the American Lung Association 2022 report, 70% of respondents surveyed were not familiar with the availability of lung cancer screening for early detection of the disease.  Furthermore, many patients are unaware that screenings are typically fully covered by their insurance, assuming they meet all high-risk criteria. 

Our team would like to thank you for the conversations you are having with your patients about the importance of lung cancer screenings. In 2017, our CT lung screening program completed 383 low-dose CTs.  Fast forward to 2023, and we are now on a path to completing more than 2,900 screenings. We would also like to share the outcomes of your referrals and encourage you to continue to have these important discussions with your patients. 

The chart below represents January – October 2023 data volumes:

Out of the 2,339 completed referrals, 281 (12%) patients were discovered to have an abnormal result. 

We have received requests from employers and providers to offer low-dose lung screening for individuals who do not meet the high-risk criteria but have occupational exposure. We heard you, and we have implemented an LDCT self-pay option for those who meet the established criteria for this option. The cost of a self-pay LDCT is $99 and requires a physician order. The patient must also meet the following criteria:

  • 40 years old or older
  • More than 20 years of exposure to toxins and respiratory irritants, such as:
    • Heavy metals from manufacturing and construction
    • Diesel/automotive fumes
    • Smoke and soot

If you have a lung screening candidate, referrals can be entered in several ways:

Via EPIC

  • Order 40868
  • CT Lung Screening
  • CT Lung Cancer Screening

Or

  • Order 41099 (self-pay option)
  • CT Self-Pay Lung Screening

Call

  • (855) 887-7364 Toll Free

For additional information on lung cancer screenings, please call (937) 208-9050(937) 208-9050.

Back to the November 2023 issue of Premier Pulse

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