Lung Cancer Screening
Early detection of lung cancer is the most powerful way to reduce the risk of illness or death from this disease. A lung screening CT scan can find lung cancer before symptoms develop and the cancer spreads.
Vanderbilt’s Lung Cancer Screening Program offers yearly lung screening computed tomography (CT) scans for patients who are at high risk of lung cancer because of age and/or smoking history.
You’re considered high-risk if:
- You’re between the ages of 50-80
- You’ve smoked cigarettes in the past 15 years
- You have a smoking history of at least one pack per day for 20 years or comparable (i.e., ½ pack per day for 40 years)
If you are considered high risk, your insurance or Medicare plan should cover the cost of your test in full, with no co-pay. If you’re not considered high risk, we can discuss your options with you.
Your healthcare provider must order a lung screening consult before your appointment can be scheduled. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, we may be able to assist you.
Why Choose Lung Cancer Screening at Vanderbilt
- Skilled clinicians
Having gone through specialized training, our radiologists, nurse practitioners and technologists provide expert and compassionate care.
- Collaborative care
We’ll send your imaging results to your provider within two business days after your test. If lung cancer is discovered, we’ll work with your provider and lung experts so you can quickly get a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- Convenient care
So that you can access imaging services closer to home, we have multiple radiology locations throughout the greater Nashville area.
- Latest technology
Our doctors use the latest tools and equipment to provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan for you. In many cases, you may have access to treatments and techniques that aren’t available at other hospitals.
- Safety
Your safety is a top priority. That’s why we’re committed to minimizing your exposure to radiation while also providing high-quality images that help guide your treatment plan.
- Smoking cessation support
If you want to quit smoking, our team can connect you with counseling and other services to support you through your journey.
About Lung Cancer Screening CT Scan
- There are no special instructions to follow before the test.
- Before your scan you will speak with a nurse practitioner to discuss your health history and the specific risks and benefits of this screening test. This will be done by done by telephone and takes between 10 to 20 minutes.
- Most lung screening scans take less than 90 seconds. The entire test is usually completed in 5 minutes. From check-in to check-out, you should plan for your CT visit to last about 20 minutes. In some cases, it might be longer
- There are no special instructions to follow after your scan.
- A nurse practitioner, radiologist or your doctor’s office will deliver your results within two business days after your scan. Results will also be available on MyHealth at Vanderbilt, our secure online health tool, and a letter with the results will be mailed to you.
- If an abnormality is found during your scan, results will be shared with your referring provider. Any necessary follow-up steps will be discussed with you. These might include having additional imaging tests or making an appointment with a lung specialist.
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