Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
The board-certified experts at Main Line Health can help develop treatments to control and manage your allergy and asthma symptoms.
Lung Cancer Screening
Low-dose CT scan offers non-invasive way to screen for lung cancer
Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer of men and women in the United States, responsible for 160,000 deaths each year. Until recently, there has been no reliable way to detect lung cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. New studies have shown, however, that a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan can lower the risk of death from lung cancer by 20 percent in people who are at high risk.
Low-dose CT is a painless, non-invasive scan, which:
- Takes about 20 seconds
- Does not require blood work
- Does not require IV
- Is covered by most insurance plans
During the screening, you will change into a patient gown and lie flat on the scanning table. You will be asked to hold your breath during the scan to limit the motion of your lungs while the radiologist takes numerous X-ray images of your lungs from different angles.
Are you a candidate for lung cancer screening?
You are a candidate for a low-dose CT lung cancer screening if you are asymptomatic (have no related symptoms) and meet each of the following qualifications, depending on which group you are in:
You have Medicare insurance and you:
- Are between 50 and 77 years of age
- Are a current smoker or have quit less than 15 years ago and have a cigarette smoking history of at least one pack a day for 20 years
- Have completed a shared medical decision-making/smoking counseling session prior to scheduling your first lung cancer screening exam
- Have a written order from your provider
You have another insurance plan and you:
- Are between 50 and 80 years of age
- Are a current smoker or have quit less than 15 years ago and have a cigarette smoking history of at least one pack a day for 20 years (or equal to or greater than 20 pack years)
- Have a written order from your provider
Talking to your doctor about lung cancer screening
A physician’s prescription is required for a lung cancer screening so you will first need to discuss with your doctor your interest in getting screened. Once you have a prescription in hand, you can schedule a screening. At Main Line Health we offer numerous lung cancer screening locations throughout the region.
In many cases, lung cancer screening is covered by insurance. There may be a fee, however, depending on which insurance you have. To determine whether a fee would apply, you will need to contact your insurance company in advance to see if lung cancer screening is covered by your plan.
When to expect results and what they mean
A board-certified radiologist will interpret your low-dose CT scan and provide results within 24 hours of the screening. Your results will be sent to your ordering physician for follow-up care.
“Negative” results mean there are no abnormal findings. Based on these results, you will be encouraged to repeat this test once a year for two more years. A “positive” or suspicious result means that there is an abnormal finding; further diagnostic testing may be required. Your lung health navigator will follow up with you and connect you with your ordering physician for further explanation and guidance.
Orthopaedics
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Pain Management
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Pediatrics
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Maternity (Obstetrics)
Our board-certified gynecologists are dedicated to serving you at every stage of your life, from adolescence to menopause and beyond. Whether you need treatment for common gynecological issues or advanced therapies and surgical expertise, we're here to provide comprehensive care and support.
Gender Care Program
We offer streamlined access to a team of medical, surgical, behavioral health and support specialists, in partnership with Main Line Health LGBTQ Inclusive Care for gender-affirming care.
Neurosurgery
Discover how Main Line Health neurosurgeons provide expert care, from routine to complex spinal and nervous system conditions for patients.
Trauma and Acute Care
Main Line Health provides life-saving care and urgent support at trauma centers located throughout the Philadelphia region.