Med Center Health Facilities Earn ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center Designation

Published August 15, 2016

Three Med Center Health facilities have been  designated Lung Cancer Screening Centers by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The Medical Center at Franklin, The Medical Center at Scottsville and Western Kentucky Diagnostic Imaging (WKDI), a department of The Medical Center at Bowling Green, have earned the ACR designation which is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.

In order to receive this elite distinction, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in computed tomography (CT) in the chest module, as well as undergo a rigorous assessment of its lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure. Also required are procedures in place for follow-up patient care, such as counseling and smoking cessation programs. For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening Center designation, visit: acr.org/Quality-Safety/Lung-Cancer-Screening-Center.

Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scans, and appropriate follow-up care, significantly reduces lung cancer deaths. Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cancer killer – taking the lives of more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.

A recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests that adults who have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer but who are at high risk for developing lung cancer should be screened every year with low-dose CT. High risk is defined as people who meet the following criteria:

·         Are 55 through 77 years old, and

·         Have a history of heavy smoking, and

·         Are either current smokers or who have quit within the past 15 years.

Heavy smoking is defined as a smoking history of 30 “pack years” or more. A “pack year” is smoking an average of one pack per day for one year. For example, someone is considered a heavy smoker if they smoke one pack per day for 30 years or smoke two packs per day for 15 years.

Individuals who meet the criteria noted above should consider an annual screening for lung cancer. Individuals should talk with their doctor about their risk and obtain a physician’s order. The cost of the screening is $150. Traditional Medicare covers the screening. Screenings can be scheduled at WKDI, The Medical Center at Franklin or The Medical Center at Scottsville by calling (270) 745-1199 or (800) 231-9621.