Early detection through low-dose CT screening for eligible patients
About This Service
Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can detect lung cancer at an early, more treatable stage. Dr. Hsieh evaluates whether you meet the screening criteria, refers you for the LDCT scan, and reviews the results with you. If any abnormalities are found, we coordinate follow-up care including additional imaging, referrals, or biopsy as needed.
Adults aged 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year or greater smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. A pack-year is calculated by multiplying the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years smoked. Early detection through screening can find lung cancer when it is small and most treatable, before symptoms develop. If you are unsure whether you qualify, we can assess your eligibility during a consultation.
Reviewed by Dr. Jerry Hsieh, MD — Board Certified in Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and Internal Medicine
Last reviewed:
Common Questions
Who qualifies for lung cancer screening?
Per the 2021 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation, annual screening with low-dose CT is recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 who have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years and either currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Screening should stop once a person has not smoked for 15 years, develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy, or is no longer able or willing to have curative lung surgery.
What is a pack-year?
A pack-year is calculated by multiplying the average number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years smoked. For example, someone who smoked one pack per day for 20 years, or two packs per day for 10 years, has a 20-pack-year history. Both pattern would meet the screening threshold.
What is a low-dose CT scan, and is it safe?
A low-dose CT (LDCT) of the chest uses roughly one-fifth the radiation dose of a standard chest CT — about 1.5 millisieverts, similar to six months of natural background radiation. It produces images detailed enough to detect small early-stage lung cancers without significantly increasing your lifetime cancer risk. No contrast dye or IV is needed, and the scan itself takes less than a minute.
Is lung cancer screening covered by insurance?
Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, lung cancer screening with LDCT is covered without cost-sharing by most commercial insurance plans for patients who meet USPSTF criteria. Medicare also covers annual screening for eligible beneficiaries aged 50–77 with a 20+ pack-year history who currently smoke or quit within 15 years, when ordered by a qualified physician after a shared decision-making visit.
What happens if something is found on screening?
Results are reported using the Lung-RADS system, which standardizes how findings are classified and managed. Most findings are benign or low-risk and require only routine follow-up at the next annual screening. Indeterminate nodules are followed with a repeat CT at 3, 6, or 12 months. Suspicious findings may warrant PET-CT, biopsy via bronchoscopy or CT-guided needle, or surgical referral. Dr. Hsieh reviews results with you and coordinates next steps.
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