Medicare Decision on Lung Cancer Screening a Launch Pad to Increased Survival
Lung Cancer Alliance Directs High Risk to Get Screened at Center of Excellence
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) applauds the game-changing move by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) who issued their final decision requiring Medicare coverage of low-dose computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screening for at-risk beneficiaries.
This ruling finalizes a draft decision issued in November 2014 that brings the benefit of screening to approximately five million American seniors, the most at-risk group for lung cancer. This represents close to half of the entire at risk public who fall between the ages of 55 and 77 that would qualify for screening.
"Today is a transformative moment. Lung cancer screening can now stand shoulder to shoulder with mammography, colonoscopy, pap smears and other proven cancer screenings that have saved countless lives," said Lung Cancer Alliance President and CEO, Laurie Fenton Ambrose. "This signals a new day where lung cancer transitions from the number one cancer killer to a treatable, even curable disease."
Medicare beneficiaries between the ages of 55 and 77 with a 30 pack year history will be covered. Providers are immediately eligible for reimbursement as permanent codes and levels are finalized.
"Our work now is to ensure those at high risk for lung cancer know about this life saving benefit and have access to screening in high quality settings," added Fenton Ambrose. "Lung Cancer Alliance has helped establish an ever-expanding nationwide network of hundreds of screening centers providing best practice care safely and responsibly.
For information about risk and where to go to get screened visit: www.lungcanceralliance.org or call 1-800-298-2436.
About Lung Cancer Alliance:
Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), www.lungcanceralliance.org, is committed to saving lives and accelerating research by empowering people living with or at risk for lung cancer. LCA provides live, professional support, referral and information services to patients, their loved ones and those at risk for lung cancer; conducts national awareness campaigns including the award winning No One Deserves to Die Campaign attacking the stigma of the disease and the Moments Campaign spreading word about the risk and screening with a risk navigator tool for consumers; and advocates for multiple millions in public health dollars for lung cancer research. LCA has earned a prestigious four star rating from Charity Navigator.
Media Contact:
Chris Davis
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202-463-2080
SOURCE Lung Cancer Alliance
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