Full Citation
Title: Geographic Availability of Low-Dose Computed Tomography for Lung Cancer Screening in the United States, 2017
Citation Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2018
ISBN:
ISSN:
DOI: 10.5888/pcd15.180241
NSFID:
PMCID:
PMID:
Abstract: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women in the United States, with more than 234,000 persons diagnosed yearly (1). Most diagnoses are made at a late stage when the cancer is more difficult to treat (1). Until 2011, there was not broad evidence that any one type of screening reduced lung cancer mortality. However, the National Lung Screening Trial clearly demonstrated that annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can reduce lung cancer deaths by up to 20% in high-risk populations (ie, people aged 55–74 y who have a ≥30-pack-year smoking history and who, if former smokers, had quit within the previous 15 years) (2). Subsequently, in 2014, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) (3) endorsed LDCT screening for high-risk persons, resulting in changes to the reimbursement policies of private and public insurers. Despite endorsements and new reimbursement policies favoring LDCT screening, uptake is low among high-risk persons (3.9% based on the 2015 National Health Interview Survey) (4). In 2014, we showed that the United States had 203 active LDCT screening centers and that most were in the Northeast and the East North Central states (5). In 2015, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services introduced insurance coverage and associated billing codes for LDCT screening. An updated assessment of the landscape of LDCT screening in the United States is now needed to determine the extent of geographic variation in LDCT screening availability and to identify regions for program expansion based on potential demand.
Url: http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2018/18_0241.htm
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Authors: Eberth, Jan M.; Bozorgi, Parisa; Lebron, Logan M.; Bills, Sarah E.; Hazlett, Linda J.; Carlos, Ruth C.; King, Jennifer C.
Periodical (Full): Preventing Chronic Disease
Issue:
Volume: 15
Pages:
Data Collections: IPUMS USA
Topics: Health, Other, Population Health and Health Systems
Countries: