Baptist Health Paducah named a Screening Center of Excellence
Baptist Health has been named a Screening Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) for its ongoing commitment to responsible lung cancer screening.
Baptist Health has been named a Screening Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) for its ongoing commitment to responsible lung cancer screening. Low-dose CT screening for lung cancer carried out safely, efficiently and equitably saves tens of thousands of lives a year.
“Baptist Health Paducah is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality care,” said Michael Tutor, executive director of heart, oncology and imaging services. “Low dose CT screening has shown to be the only proven method to detect lung cancer at an early and treatable stage. We are thrilled to be part of this elite group, setting an example for responsible screening practices across the country.”
Designated Screening Centers of Excellence are committed to providing clear information for lung cancer screening candidates and comply with comprehensive standards based on best practices developed by professional bodies such as the American College of Radiology (ACR), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP) for controlling screening quality, radiation dose and diagnostic procedures within an experienced, multi-disciplinary clinical setting.
“We are proud and honored to be working with Baptist Health Paducah as a Lung Cancer Alliance Screening Center of Excellence,” said LCA President and CEO Laurie Fenton Ambrose. “Their commitment to practice responsible lung cancer screening will lead to advancements in research and many lives saved. They are an example to follow.”
In 2017, as the region’s only nationally-accredited provider of low-dose CT lung scans, Baptist Health established an easy-to-remember phone number – 270.575.LUNG (5864) – and assistance from a nurse navigator for people concerned about lung cancer, especially those with a history of smoking.
Medicare and most insurance will cover the cost of the low-dose CT lung screening for people who meet these Medicare criteria:
- 55 to 77 years old
- Greater than 30-pack year smoking history (defined as smoking one pack a day for 30 years, or 2 packs a day for 15 years, or 3 packs a day for 10 years)
- Actively smoked within the last 15 years, and
- No signs or symptoms of lung cancer such as recent weight loss, hoarseness or persistent cough
If you meet the criteria, you will need a provider’s orders for the painless, non-invasive test. You can talk to your doctor, or Baptist Health will set up an appointment in its lung clinic by phoning 270.575.LUNG (5864).