Lung Cancer with Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) screening will now be covered by Medicare. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final national coverage determination (NCD) on February 5, 2015 that is effective immediately.
Medicare beneficiaries meeting the below criteria will be covered by Medicare for lung cancer screening with LDCT once per year:
- They are age 55-77 and are either current smokers or have quit smoking within the last 15 years;
- They have a tobacco smoking history of at least 30 “pack years” (an average of one pack a day for 30 years); and
- They receive a written order from a physician or qualified non-physician practitioner that meets certain requirements.
Medicare coverage includes a visit for counseling and shared decision-making on the benefits and risks of lung cancer screening.