What to Look for in a Lung Cancer Screening Facility

• Does you follow  the American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines for LDCT scans? 

  Make sure the facility you choose uses the ACR’s recommended technology requirements for LDCT scans to keep your scan safe, effective, and accurate.

• Will my scan be read by a radiologist who is board certified (or board-eligible) and experienced?
  It is important to have a radiologist who is highly trained in reading your scans. Ask if the radiologist has been certified by a professional board and if they have read at least 200 chest CTs in the past three years.

• Does the radiologist reading my scan receive ongoing medical education in radiology and radiation safety? 
  By making sure your radiologist is trained and receives ongoing medical education in radiology and radiation safety, you can be more confident that your LDCT scan results are interpreted accurately using the latest standards. 

• Who will explain the risks and benefits of lung cancer screening to me?

  Either a healthcare provider at the facility or your referring doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of a LDCT scan and help you decide if getting screened is right for you.

• Who will share my LDCT scan results with me, and how?
  Ask if a trained healthcare professional will clearly explain your results to you and discuss what they mean. They should be prepared to work with you and other doctors to make a plan for next steps, if necessary. You can also ask who you can expect to hear from, and how, regarding your scan results. 

• Does my insurance cover this scan? What about other costs? The facility staff should tell you if LDCT scans are covered by your insurance plan, what your plan includes, and if you might have any out-of-pocket costs for the scan or related fees, such as follow-up procedures or facility charges. You should also double-check this information with your insurance company and use the Insurance Checklist to know what questions to ask.

• Do you offer services or referrals if I want to quit smoking?
  If you smoke, ask if the facility has resources or programs available to help you quit smoking. If these services are not available, consider reaching out to the Lung HelpLine and ask about programs near you.

The ACR has a registry of LDCT Facilities.  Use the Lung Cancer Screening Locator Tool to find one near you.