Convenient lung screenings in Tennessee

At Ascension Saint Thomas in Tennessee, we deliver lung screenings and personalized care for lung cancer and lung nodules.
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Low-dose CT lung scan screening

Getting a low-dose CT scan may help find lung nodules or cancer early, when it is most treatable. Finding cancer early means there may be more options for treatment too. A lung scan can also help diagnose lung fibrosis, COPD, and other breathing disorders. Walk-ins are welcome at Premier Radiology locations across Nashville and surrounding communities. For ongoing care, Ascension Saint Thomas specialists provide comprehensive surveillance of lung nodules and cancer care.

Screen early. Breathe easy.

If you're above 50 and currently smoke or have quit smoking, a lung scan is key to knowing your risk of lung cancer.

Who can have a lung scan?

Ask your physician if a low-dose CT lung scan is right for you. This screening exam may be covered by various insurance plans as well as Medicare for those who meet the specific criteria listed below:

  • Are between age 50 and 80
  • Currently smoke, or have quit within the past 15 years
  • Have smoked 2 packs daily for 10 years or 1 pack daily for 20 years
  • Do not currently have signs or symptoms of lung cancer

Please check with your insurance provider for details. Self-pay price: $129.

Advanced lung care for cancer and other diseases

Your lung health is important. Whether you need a lung screening or care for a lung nodule or cancer, Premier Radiology and Ascension Saint Thomas are here for you. Our pulmonologist specializes in diagnosing and treating lung nodules. A lung nodule is a small mass that may or may not be cancerous. Our screening and surveillance program has been named a Screening Center of Excellence and Care Continuum Center of Excellence by the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer. Your team provides timely surveillance of nodules that need monitoring. In most cases, monitoring of small lesions is done yearly by getting a CT scan of the chest.

Frequently asked questions about lung screening and lung cancer

  • Is referral needed for lung screening?

    If you choose to file with insurance, a referral from your medical provider is required. If choosing the self-pay option of $129, a referral is not required for a low-dose CT scan. Walk-ins are welcome or to schedule an appointment, please call Premier Radiology, 866-606-7915. 

  • What is a low-dose CT screening?
    CT lung screenings use an X-ray generating device that rotates around your body and a powerful computer to create cross-sectional images of the inside of your lungs. When you arrive for your test, you will change into a gown and lie on a table that slides in and out of a large tube, called a CT. It is a painless imaging test that takes only minutes to complete. Then, your radiologist reviews the images and prepares a report for your doctor. A member of our care team will contact you to discuss the results. By getting a clear picture of your lung health, your doctor can create a care plan that’s right for you.

     

    Medicare and many private insurers may cover a CT scan for those at high risk. And for many high-risk patients, the first scan may be covered without a copay. Check with your insurance provider to confirm health coverage.

  • What advanced tests are used to diagnose lung cancer?

    When you choose Ascension Saint Thomas for your lung care, you have access to the latest technology used to diagnose and treat lesions in the lung, including

    • CT-guided biopsy
    • Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and EBUS with biopsy 
    • Robotic bronchoscopy and biopsy

    Robotic bronchoscopy helps your doctor reach deep into the lung to biopsy the smallest of lesions. From identification to diagnoses and treatment, our Thoracic surgeons at Ascension Saint Thomas are ready to provide the care you need. As part of your thoracic surgery consultation for lung cancer or lung nodule care, we provide smoking cessation counseling.

Advanced care for lung nodules and lung cancer 

If a lung nodule is detected in your lungs, our team uses advanced diagnostic imaging, biopsy procedures and provides treatment options. Not all lung lesions are cancerous but if you are diagnosed with cancer, we’ll connect you to compassionate cancer care from a multidisciplinary team of oncology specialists, including: 

  • Interventional pulmonary medicine specialist - A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating lung conditions, including lung nodules and lung cancer.
  • Thoracic surgeon - A surgeon with specialized surgical care for the lungs, heart and esophagus.
  • Medical oncologist - A doctor who specializes in treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy. Medical oncologists are often the main healthcare provider for someone with cancer.
  • Radiologist – a doctor who interprets lung screening CT scans and diagnostic images.
  • Radiation oncologist - A doctor who specializes in using radiation therapy to treat cancer.
  • Interventional radiologist - A doctor who specializes in minimally invasive, image-guided surgery with the use of CT, ultrasound, MRI and fluoroscopy.
  • Nurse practitioner – A nurse with advanced training in cancer care who assesses your needs and coordinates care with your doctors.
  • Respiratory therapists – Therapists who provide functional pulmonary testing, set up oxygen therapy in the home, and provide instruction in breathing exercises to help support your recovery.
Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage before scheduling. Low-dose CT screening may be covered by various insurance plans as well as Medicare for those who meet certain high-risk criteria. If you have Medicare Part B and meet certain qualifications, your screening may be covered. But you will need a referral from your doctor.