Low Dose CT Screening for Smokers
The use of low-dose, CT scans of the chest has been shown to reduce lung cancer deaths. The purpose of a CT screening test is to identify the presence of cancer in individuals before they demonstrate any symptoms.
To qualify for lung cancer screening, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age 55 to 77
- No signs or symptoms of lung cancer
- Current smoker or smoker who has quit within the last 15 years
- 30 pack/year history of smoking (for example, one pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years)
Health Insurance Coverage
Medicare and Medicare-based plans, as well as most private medical insurance plans, cover the cost of the test. You may have co-pays or deductibles.
How to Schedule
Once your doctor provides a prescription for the test and, if required by your insurance plan, the appropriate precertification has been acquired from your primary care physician, call Abington – Jefferson Health’s Central Scheduling line at 215-481-EXAM (3926) to schedule the test at a convenient location:
- Abington Hospital – Jefferson Health
- Abington – Lansdale Hospital
- Abington Health Center – Blue Bell
- Abington Health Center – Warminster
- Abington Health Center – Willow Grove
Consider Quitting
The best way to prevent lung cancer caused by tobacco use is to never start or to quit smoking. For more information on how to quit smoking, call Abington's Smoking Cessation Program at 215-481-2204 or 800-QUIT-NOW.
If you have questions, please call 215-481-LUNG (5864).