Low Dose CT (LDCT) Lung Cancer Screening

Due to the highly effective nature of LDCT for lung cancer screening in current or prior chronic smokers, MSSNY supports screening patients meeting five established criteria. These include:

• Age 55-77 years of age
• No signs or symptoms of lung cancer
• A 30-pack year or greater history of tobacco smoking
• Current smoker or has quit smoking within the last 15 years

A written order for LDCT from a qualified health professional following a lung cancer screening counseling that attests to shared decision-making having taken place before their first screening CT.

CMS has waived Medicare coinsurance and Part B deductible for this preventive service and has reduced its hospital reimbursement (https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/lung-cancer-screening.html). It is covered by NYS Medicaid and by some Medicare Advantage plans. The US Preventive Services Task Force requires coverage by private insure carriers. Additional information is available at the Lung Association’s CT page on Medicare (http://www.lung.org/assets/documents/lung-cancer/interactive-library/lung-cancer-insurance-chart.pdf).

PLEASE HELP TO GET THESE PATIENTS REFERRED FOR SCREENING