What is low-dose CT lung cancer screening?

Low-dose CT lung cancer screening (LDCT) is a quick, painless imaging test that uses minimal radiation to create detailed pictures of the lungs, helping detect lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. It is specifically designed for adults aged 50–77 with a significant smoking history, current smokers, or those who quit within the past 15 years, and for annual monitoring of high-risk individuals before symptoms appear.

Why did my doctor order a low-dose CT lung screening?

Your doctor ordered a low-dose CT lung screening because you meet the criteria for high-risk individuals based on your age and smoking history. Common reasons include a significant smoking history of at least 20 pack-years, being a current smoker or a former smoker who quit within the past 15 years, age eligibility between 50 and 77 years old, and preventive care — because early detection saves lives. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and catching it early dramatically improves outcomes.

Do I need a referral for low-dose CT lung screening?

Yes, you need a referral (also called a doctor's order) to get low-dose CT lung cancer screening. The referral documents your smoking history and eligibility criteria, is required for insurance coverage, including Medicare, ensures screening is appropriate for your situation, and allows for proper follow-up if abnormalities are found. Once your doctor sends the order to American Health Imaging, we will contact you to schedule your appointment and verify your insurance coverage.

How do I schedule a same-day low-dose CT lung screening?

Scheduling a same-day low-dose CT lung screening at American Health Imaging is easy and convenient. You can call one of our imaging centers or request an appointment online at americanhealthimaging.com/request-appointment. Same-day and next-day appointments are available, with extended and weekend hours at many locations. No special preparation or fasting is required. Once your referral is received, we can often schedule your scan quickly at one of our convenient locations across Alabama, Georgia, Tallahassee FL, Beaumont TX, San Antonio TX, and South Carolina.

What imaging centers near me offer low-dose CT lung screening?

American Health Imaging offers low-dose CT lung screening at 45+ accredited imaging centers across the Southeast, with locations in Alabama, Georgia, Tallahassee FL, Beaumont TX, San Antonio TX, and South Carolina. All locations offer same-day and next-day appointments.

Who should get low-dose CT lung screening?

Low-dose CT lung screening is recommended for adults at high risk of lung cancer. You should get screened if you meet all of the following criteria: you are between 50 and 77 years old, you have at least 20 pack-years of smoking history, and you are a current smoker or quit within the past 15 years. Additional risk factors that support screening include family history of lung cancer, exposure to radon, asbestos, or other carcinogens, chronic lung conditions such as COPD or emphysema, and long-term secondhand smoke exposure. Your doctor will evaluate your individual risk factors and determine if screening is appropriate for you.

How should I prepare for my low-dose CT lung screening?

Preparing for a low-dose CT lung screening is simple and requires very little preparation. No fasting is required — eat and drink normally. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers or buttons. Bring your insurance card and photo ID. Inform the team if you are pregnant or might be pregnant. On the day of your appointment, arrive on time to complete paperwork, remove jewelry and metal objects from your chest area, and be prepared to hold your breath briefly during scanning. No contrast dye is typically needed unless specifically ordered by your doctor.

What should I expect during a low-dose CT lung cancer screening?

During your low-dose CT lung cancer screening, you will lie comfortably on your back on a cushioned exam table that slides into an open, donut-shaped scanner. You will hold your breath briefly while images are taken — the actual scan lasts less than 60 seconds. There is no contrast dye or IV required. A technologist monitors and communicates with you throughout. Total appointment time is typically 15–30 minutes, including check-in.

What happens after my low-dose CT lung screening is complete?

After your low-dose CT lung screening, you can resume all normal activities immediately — eating, drinking, driving, working, and taking medications. There are no side effects or recovery time. All scans are reviewed by board-certified radiologists with subspecialty training in thoracic imaging. A report is sent to your doctor, and you will receive a text message within 48 hours with a link to a patient-friendly Scanslated version of your report.

When will I get my low-dose CT lung screening results?

Your doctor typically receives results within a few hours after the radiologist's report is finalized. You will receive a text message within 48 hours with a link to your Scanslated patient-friendly imaging report. All scans are reviewed by board-certified radiologists with subspecialty training in thoracic imaging.

How accurate is low-dose CT for detecting lung cancer?

Low-dose CT is highly effective at detecting early-stage lung cancer and is far more sensitive than chest X-rays. It can detect lung nodules as small as 2–3 mm, finds lung cancer when it is small and before it has spread, and is much more sensitive than conventional chest X-rays. At American Health Imaging, advanced CT scanners specifically designed for low-dose imaging and expert subspecialty-trained radiologists enhance diagnostic accuracy.

How long does a low-dose CT lung screening take?

The actual low-dose CT lung scan lasts less than 60 seconds. Total appointment time, including check-in and preparation, is typically 15–30 minutes. No contrast dye, IV placement, fasting, or special preparation is required, making it one of the quickest and most convenient cancer screening options available. You can return to all normal activities immediately after.

How much does low-dose CT lung screening cost?

The cost of low-dose CT lung screening varies depending on insurance coverage and eligibility. American Health Imaging is in-network with 99% of insurance plans, verifies coverage and eligibility, obtains prior authorization if needed, provides cost estimates before your appointment, and offers transparent pricing for self-pay patients. American Health Imaging can save you up to 60% compared to hospital-based imaging.

Is low-dose CT lung screening covered by insurance?

Yes, most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover annual low-dose CT lung screening with no out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals. Coverage generally requires being between ages 50 and 77, having at least 20 pack-years of smoking history, being a current smoker or having quit within the past 15 years, a doctor's referral documenting eligibility, and in some cases a counseling visit discussing benefits and risks. American Health Imaging verifies your coverage and handles any required pre-authorization steps.

What if the screening finds a lung nodule?

Finding something on a lung CT scan can feel frightening, but most findings are not cancer. About 1 in 4 LDCT screenings finds a lung nodule — a small area of tissue in the lung — and more than 97% of lung nodules found on screening are benign. Most are the result of past lung infections or scar tissue. When a nodule is found, the American Health Imaging radiologist will classify it using Lung-RADS, a standardized reporting system, and provide specific recommendations for follow-up. Most nodules simply require a repeat LDCT in 3–12 months to monitor for changes. If a nodule appears suspicious, your doctor will discuss next steps, which may include a follow-up CT scan or, in rare cases, a biopsy.

Am I at risk of lung cancer even though I am not a smoker?

While smoking is responsible for approximately 80–90% of lung cancers, 10–20% occur in people who have never smoked. Risk factors for non-smokers include radon gas exposure (the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the leading cause among non-smokers), occupational exposure to asbestos, arsenic, or diesel exhaust, long-term secondhand smoke exposure (associated with a 20–30% increased risk), and a family history of lung cancer. If you have any of these risk factors, speak with your doctor about whether lung cancer screening may be appropriate for you.

How can I calculate my smoking pack-year history?

A pack-year is calculated by multiplying the average number of packs smoked per day by the number of years you smoked. For example: smoking 1 pack per day for 20 years equals 20 pack-years; smoking 2 packs per day for 10 years also equals 20 pack-years; and smoking half a pack per day for 40 years also equals 20 pack-years. A minimum of 20 pack-years is required to qualify for annual LDCT screening.

Do I qualify for lung cancer screening?

You may qualify for annual LDCT lung cancer screening if all three of the following apply: you are between 50 and 77 years old, you have at least 20 pack-years of smoking history, and you currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. You should not have any current signs or symptoms of lung cancer. If you have symptoms such as a persistent cough, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, or shortness of breath, speak with your doctor, as these require diagnostic evaluation rather than screening.

Services

Diagnostic imaging with outpatient convenience

At American Health Imaging, we’ve invested in the most up-to-date imaging equipment to enhance the patient experience and provide the highest quality diagnostic images. These same technologies also allow for greater patient comfort and faster exams, which means your referring physician will get the answers they need… quickly. Click on the description below to learn more about the types of imaging services we provide.

Services

Diagnostic imaging with outpatient convenience

Imaging Services our locations offer:

Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening

Open MRI Imaging

Outpatient MRI Services

CT Scan Imaging Services

Diffusion Tensor Imaging

NeuroQuant® Brain Imaging

Arthrogram

FibroScan® Liver Imaging

Accelerated Breast MRI

Myelogram

Ultrasound Imaging (Sonography)

Digital X-Ray Imaging

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