Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Program

What is the Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Program?

Valley County Health System and Advanced Medical Imaging partner to aid in the early detection of lung cancer for high-risk patients. This program utilizes a low-dose CT scan to help high-risk patients screen for lung cancer at low costs. VCHS's advanced 20-slice Somatom Definition CT scanner provides accurate, quick results, and less wait time for doctors and patients.

Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. There are nearly 100 million smokers in the United States, many of them at high risk for lung cancer. National studies that screened regular smokers ages 55-74 have shown that screening with CT scans can reduce the number of deaths from lung cancer compared to chest x-rays.

Based on such findings, VCHS patients who meet the below criteria are eligible for the Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Program:

• Men or women, 55-74 years of age

• 30 pack-year history of smoking

• If former smoker, quit date within last 15 years

• No weight loss greater than I0 pounds in the last month

• No chest CT scan in the last 12 months

• No change in cough, shortness of breath, or hemoptysis

To schedule an appointment for a low-dose CT scan, call 308.728.4200.

*Results are interpreted by a board-certified radiologist and will be sent to the ordering physician.

*If insurance does not cover the cost of the screening, it can be completed for $250.00 payable at the time of service.