Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening - Cone Health

Skip to Content

Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening

Lung Cancer Screening CT ScanDiscover lung cancer early—before symptoms appear—to increase your chances for effective, lifesaving treatment. Turn to Cone Health for a low-dose computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screening.

Do I Need a Screening?

You qualify for a screening if you:

  • Are 55 to 80 years old
  • Smoke or quit smoking within the last 15 years
  • Have 30 plus pack years of smoking history (Use this tool to calculate your pack years.)

Effective Lung Cancer Screening

Take advantage of the most effective method of screening at Cone Health. Studies show that people at high risk of developing lung cancer who have yearly low-dose CT scans have better outcomes than high-risk patients who are screened using a standard chest X-ray.

Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening

Before Your Test

Begin by meeting with your doctor or a nurse navigator to discuss:

  • The risks and benefits of a screening for you
  • Information about how to quit smoking, or remain smoke free, if applicable
  • Your ability and willingness to commit to follow-up care after your scan

Then, you’ll work together to decide whether to schedule a screening.

What to Expect at Your Exam

Lung Cancer AllianceA low-dose CT scan is a simple, painless imaging test. You’ll lie on your back on a table attached to a donut-shaped scanner machine. To help us get the best quality image possible, you’ll be asked to place your arms above your head and hold your breath for about 10 seconds.

You can eat and drink normally before and after your test. You won’t need to take a contrast material dye.

Accredited Screening Services

Trust Cone Health to provide safe, accurate, timely CT services. Our CT imaging is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and our network includes three Designated Lung Cancer Screening Centers—Alamance Regional Outpatient Imaging Center, Annie Penn Hospital and LeBauer Health Care.

Insurance Coverage

Medicare and private insurance cover low-dose CT scan lung cancer screening if you meet qualifying criteria. Medicare covers annual screenings only until you are 77 years old.

Get Screened for Lung Cancer

Ask your doctor for a referral for a low-dose CT lung cancer screening at Cone Health. Or call our nurse navigators at:

  • Greensboro - 336-547-1801
  • Burlington - 336-586-3492

For Referring Providers

If you care for patients who are current or former heavy smokers, we encourage you to print out and save the following document with information about our lung cancer screening program.