NRH introduces Low-Dose CT scan for lung cancer screening

A low-dose CT scan (LDCT) is available to patients for lung cancer screening with a provider’s order. The first low-dose CT scan was performed at Newman Regional Health on April 29, 2021.

CT, or computed tomography, is often referred to as a “CAT” scan and is a fast, non-invasive diagnostic tool used to see the inside of the body. Combining X-ray with advanced computer processing technology, CT scans create detailed images of internal structure and organs used to rule out or confirm the presence of certain abnormalities or diseases, such as cancer.

Newman Regional Health is registered with the ACR Lung Cancer Screening Registry (LCSR) which is approved by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to enable providers to meet quality reporting requirements for receiving Medicare CT lung cancer screening payment.

The American Cancer Society recommends annual lung cancer screening for certain people at higher risk for lung cancer. A study on early detection of lung cancer found that the low-dose cancer screening test can reduce mortality for those at high risk. High-risk eligibility criteria include those over the age of 50 who are current or former smokers.

The American Lung Association has created a new low-dose CT lung cancer screening test and eligibility quiz. For those who have smoked, take the quiz today to see if screening could save your life: CLICK HERE.