Lung cancer screenings

At Ascension Saint Thomas, we provide lung screenings and personalized care for lung cancer and lung nodules

Lung cancer screenings in Tennessee

At Ascension Saint Thomas, we provide lung screenings and personalized care for lung cancer and lung nodules

CALL PREMIER RADIOLOGY: 866-606-7915

About lung cancer screenings at Ascension Saint Thomas

Getting a low-dose CT scan may help find lung nodules or cancer early, when it is often most treatable. Finding cancer early may mean more treatment options. A lung scan can also help diagnose lung fibrosis, COPD and other breathing disorders.

Lung cancer screening walk-ins are welcome at Premier Radiology locations across Nashville and surrounding communities. For ongoing care, Ascension Saint Thomas lung specialists provide comprehensive surveillance of lung nodules and cancer care.

Who can have a lung scan?

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

Are between age 50 and 80
Currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years
Have a 20 pack-year smoking history, such as smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years
Do not currently have signs or symptoms of lung cancer

Please check with your insurance provider for coverage details. The self-pay price for a low-dose CT lung scan is $129.

Comprehensive 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.

Advanced care for lung nodules and lung cancer

If a lung nodule is detected in your lungs, our Chest and Lung 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.

Frequently asked questions about our lung cancer care services

Your doctor and care team get to know you well, and you’ll receive care for the whole person – from physical health and well-being to mental and emotional health to support for your family and caregivers. At Ascension Saint Thomas, we provide innovative medication treatments, the latest surgical technologies and techniques, high-tech radiation facilities and support services. Our pulmonologists are part of a national team of cancer specialists sharing the latest in cancer care knowledge and research.

We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Your cancer care team can connect you to a financial counselor.

At Ascension Saint Thomas cancer center and clinics, we offer convenient parking. Talk to your care team if you have transportation needs.

A CT lung screening uses an X-ray device that rotates around your body 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 scanner. It is a painless imaging test that takes only a few minutes. After the scan, a radiologist reviews the images and prepares a report for your doctor.. With a clearer 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 people at high risk. For many high-risk patients, the first scan may be covered without a copay.. Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage.

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

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

A 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.

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, call Premier Radiology at866-606-7915.

Surgical oncologists and anesthesiologists provide enhanced recovery pathways as part of your surgical care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatment, to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.