Barbara Mantel, NBC News — In a move that could affect millions of current and former smokers, a highly influential, independent panel of medical experts is recommending yearly screening for healthy adults between the ages of 55 and 80 at high risk for lung cancer.
The screening would be done with low-dose computed tomography, commonly known as CT scans — and the panel’s recommendation could require new insurance plans to cover them under the Affordable Care Act.
CT scanning for lung cancer screening uses up to 90% less radiation than a conventional chest CT scan. The approximate effective radiation dose is 1.5 millisievert (mSv), which is equal to about 6 months of “normal” background radiation and has very low risk. In fact, no correlation has been found between background radiation and cancer risk. The additional risk of developing fatal lung cancer from one adult exam is low enough that it is difficult to measure, with the estimated chances being between 1 in 100,000 and 1 in 10,000.
Capitol Imaging Services performs lung cancer screenings at select locations within our affiliate network. This exam does require a referral order from your physician or health care provider. A lung screening typically takes less than five minutes, with the actual scan time being approximately five seconds.
Capitol Imaging Services is the largest independent radiology practice of its type serving the southeastern United States. Not only do we perform the scan such as a CT or MRI, we also provide the radiology expertise to review test images and issue important findings to physicians and other health care providers.
Capitol Imaging Services also often lowers out of pocket costs for people by performing our exams at lower fees. For people with unfulfilled health insurance deductibles, that’s a major financial advantage. And, that advantage is enjoyed without sacrificing quality of care or technology.
Other screenings performed by Capitol Imaging Services include breast cancer screening and colon cancer screening. We also offer specialty studies such as prostate 3T MRI, liver elastography, breast biopsy and echocardiograms.
Capitol Imaging Services is doctor trusted and patient preferred.