CMS’s willingness to pay for CT lung cancer screenings isn’t likely to spur a stampede. “The average at-risk smoking public is not a seeker of this kind of service,” notes Reginald Munden, MD, a principal investigator in the National Lung Screening Trial. But that doesn’t mean some radiology practices won’t see an uptick in demand. Are they ready?

This was a big week for the specialty. The proposed coverage decision for lung cancer screening from CMS represents a big win for Medicare-aged smokers and former smokers, and radiology will play a key role in devloping the new screening program. A 60-day comment period began on November 10 and considering the numerous stakeholders, there will be much to say.

Reston, Va. (Nov. 12, 2014) — American College of Radiology (ACR) resources can help radiology professionals safely and effectively provide, and receive payment for CT lung cancer screening. Demand for this care will grow quickly now that Medicare has proposed to cover high-risk seniors for these lifesaving exams.

How hospitals and emergency departments deal with incidental findings was the subject of a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, in which three programs were identified that ensure referring physicians, PCPs and patients are made aware of the incidentaloma.

With the November 8 deadline looming for a CMS decision on coverage of lung-cancer screening for Medicare patients, several studies presented earlier this week at the 2014 Chicago Multidisciplinary Symposium in Thoracic Oncology underscored the need for a disciplined approach to lung cancer diagnosis in this population.

BREMEN, Germany & BURLINGTON, Mass. — Background: Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in the United States, causing more deaths each year than breast, colon, pancreas and prostate cancers combined. The National Lung Screening Trial proved that CT lung cancer screening (LCS) can reduce deaths due to lung cancer by at least 20% in individuals at high-risk. The resulting endorsement of LCS by the United States Preventive Services Task Force means that millions of high-risk Americans will be granted insurance coverage for annual LCS beginning in 2015.

As Ebola continues to strike fear into the hearts of healthcare workers everywhere, those stationed in imaging areas—or regularly passing through—should look back on, and learn from, the SARS pandemic of 2003.

Eight-radiologist Casper Medical Imaging in Casper, Wyo., has joined Palmetto, Fla.-based Strategic Radiology, becoming the first small, rural affiliate of the 18-practice collaborative.