Medicare Proposes Reimbursing Lung Cancer Screening in High-Risk Groups
NEJM – Journal Watch
By Kelly Young
Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Lorenzo Di Francesco, MD, FACP, FHM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has proposed covering annual, low-dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer in patients at high risk, the Associated Press reports.
To be eligible for screening, patients must meet the following criteria:
Current smoker or smoker who’s quit in the past 15 years
30 pack-year history or equivalent
Aged 55-74 (the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening in those up to age 80).
Before being screened for the first time, patients would need to undergo counseling on the risks and benefits of screening and on smoking cessation.
Medicare’s final decision is expected in February.
Link(s):
Associated Press story (Free)
CMS proposal (Free)
Background: Physician’s First Watch coverage of debate (Free)
Background: NEJM Journal Watch General Medicine coverage of USPSTF recommendations (Free)
