Update on New Guidelines for Lung Cancer Screening

As reported earlier this year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has updated their guidelines for lung cancer screening by expanding the eligibility criteria for age and pack years.* CMS is expected to update their criteria to reflect these new guidelines in 2022. However, several insurers have already expanded coverage to the new criteria. In order to offer lung cancer screenings to as many patients as possible, Munson Healthcare will use the criteria accepted by each insurance provider. CMS patients will continue to follow the original criteria at this time. Non-CMS patients may be eligible for the expanded coverage guidelines. Patients and providers should check with their individual insurance providers to determine coverage prior to ordering a lung cancer screening.  

*Expanded criteria (now accepted by some insurers but NOT CMS until 2022)

The Lung Cancer Screening Referral (form #11611) and Cerner Ambulatory Orders WILL NOT BE updated on our website until the new criteria is adopted by CMS. Please hand write in the age/pack years for patients whom meet USPSTF criteria and have a valid insurance authorization. 

A reminder that the CPT code used when ordering Initial/Annual CT Lung Cancer Screening Low Dose CT has changed to 71271.

Questions: Stephanie Lamont, Radiology Scheduling; Brian Mier, CT