Lung Screening Provider Information

Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening for High Risk Smokers 

Middlesex Health offers a screening program for lung cancer, based on USPSTF recommendations (as of July 2020). 

Key Messages

• Annual low dose non-contrast chest CTs
• Radiation from low dose CT is 25% of a standard chest CT exam.

Patient Criteria

• Age 50-80
• Asymptomatic/no signs or symptoms of lung cancer
• With history of tobacco smoking of at least 20-pack years
• Who are current smokers or who have quit smoking within the last 15 years
• Free of health problems that substantially limit life expectancy or the ability or willingness to undergo curative lung surgery

Locations

• Middlesex Hospital
• Middletown Outpatient Center
• Marlborough Medical Center
• Shoreline Medical Center

Scheduling

Middlesex Central Scheduling
Fax: 860-358-2626
Phone: 860-358-2600

Cost & Insurance Information

• Insurance Coverage
  If a patient meets all criteria, lung cancer screening is covered by private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. Please pre-authorize exams.
• Community Benefit
  Patients who meet the following criteria can be scheduled for a lung cancer screening through a $99 self-pay option:
• 50-54 years old
• 20 pack-year smoker
• Ex-smoker who quit within the last 15 years
• One of the following risk factors: COPD, pulmonary  fibrosis, history of other cancer, family history of lung cancer, toxic exposure including radon, silica, cadmium, asbestos, cadmium, arsenic or nickel

Results

All Patients:

• Routine MH radiology report to health care provider
• Ordering provider reviews results with patient

Patients with Finding Requiring Biopsy

• Routine MH radiology report to health care provider
• Referral to the Total Lung Care Center
• Offer to visit the High Risk Lung Clinic if primary care provider and patient are agreeable.

Nurse Navigator

Patients diagnosed with lung cancer are supported by the Lung Cancer Nurse Navigator, who will:

• assist with patient care coordination
• provide support
• deliver education

To contact the Nurse Navigator, call 860-358-2066.

Additional Information

Lung Cancer Risk Factors

• Exposure—radon, silica, cadmium, asbestos, cadmium, arsenic, nickel
• Family history of lung cancer
• Personal history of lung cancer, lymphoma, head & neck cancer
• Personal history of COPD or pulmonary fibrosis