Lung Cancer Screening
A simple step to protect your lung health
Get Screened
Breathe easier with this simple step to take care of your lungs. If you currently smoke or previously smoked, a lung screening can help you take charge of your health. A low-dose CT scan is a quick, painless way to check for signs of lung cancer early when treatment is most effective.
You may benefit from this screening if you meet the following criteria:
- Are between ages 50 and 80
- Currently smoke or previously smoked in the last 15 years
- Have a 20 pack-year smoking history (packs per day multiplied by number of years smoked)
Calculate your smoking pack-years
Risks and Costs
Risks and considerations
While a lung cancer screening could save your life, it’s important to understand that there are some minimal risks involved. Our pulmonary team will review both the benefits and potential risks of getting a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan and answer any questions you may have.
After your initial screening, our team will follow up with you, review your results and discuss any recommended next steps.
You are encouraged to talk with your primary care provider or pulmonologist about whether lung cancer screening is right for you. Be sure to discuss your full health history and ask for a clear explanation of the benefits, limitations and risks of screening.
Cost and coverage
Medicare and most insurance plans cover annual lung cancer screenings for eligible patients. Copays and deductibles may apply in some cases. Please contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage before scheduling. Patients will need a referral from their primary care provider before scheduling a lung screening.
Locations
Pascack Valley Medical Group – Pulmonary
466 Old Hook Rd., Suite 26
Emerson, NJ 07630
201-261-0821
Additional Testing
When reviewing results, physicians look for abnormal growths in the lungs called nodules. Lung nodules are quite common. In fact, many people who do not have cancer have them. However, in some cases, nodules can be cancerous or require closer evaluation. Depending on the findings, your doctor may also recommend a biopsy to get a sample of the tissue to determine if it’s cancerous. Your doctor will walk you through every step and keep you informed.
Schedule an Appointment
Patients will need a prescription from their primary care provider or pulmonologist before scheduling a lung screening.
If you need a prescription:
- Call your provider or send a message through MyChart.
- Don’t have a provider? Call 201-383-1035 and we’ll help you get started with care, or schedule online anytime using our Find a Provider link.
If you already have a prescription: Call 201-781-1400 to schedule a lung screening or fill out the form below for someone to contact you.