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Ready, Set, Bill! Imaging Providers Can Now Submit Claims for LDCT Lung Cancer Screenings

by Andy Beer on Jan 4, 2016

It’s January 2016, which means many of us are days into a resolution to improve ourselves personally or professionally. But there’s one change I think we all can celebrate this New Year: Medicare is finally accepting claims for low-dose CT lung cancer screenings.

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Beginning January 4, 2016, Medicare contractors are accepting claims for LDCT lung cancer screening retroactive to the national coverage determination date of Feb. 5, 2015.

You’ll recall that back on February 5, 2015, CMS determined that there was sufficient evidence to add a lung cancer screening counseling and shared decision making visit, and for appropriate beneficiaries, annual screening for lung cancer with LDCT.

In case you missed it, CMS recently posted claims billing instructions for lung cancer screening with LDCT, including details on beneficiary screening eligibility, shared decision making and counseling visits, written order, radiologist, registry and imaging center requirements.

While it was a long wait, I’m excited to see computed tomography finally being used as a recommended screening method. Mammograms and colonoscopies paved the way for imaging-based screening interventions, and it’s great to see imaging technology continue to provide value to patients and clinicians. Another takeaway is that radiology departments and imaging facilities continue to play a truly important role in helping to advance population health.

I’d love to hear your plans for implementing LDCT lung cancer screenings at your facility and invite you to comment below.


Related reading:

>> FDA Clears Siemens CT Scanners for Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening

>> 5 Tips to Streamline Your Lung Cancer Screening Program

>> 7 Tactics to Build Volume for Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screenings

Meet the Author

Andy Beer is the executive vice president at Cassling. He received his business administration degree at Iowa State University and completed the Alternative MBA course at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Business. Andy is a veteran of the diagnostic and medical imaging industry. He spent 12 years at Siemens Medical Solutions where he gained direct sales and management experience before joining Cassling in 2002. While at Siemens, Andy received a number of company awards and honors, including the Circle of Excellence Award and the Masters Award. He stays involved in the community by donating time to his church and coaching youth basketball.

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