On February 5, 2015, CMS announced that it will cover lung cancer screening with low dose computed tomography (LDCT). “This is the first time that Medicare has covered lung cancer screening. This is an important new Medicare preventive benefit since lung cancer is the third most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States,” said Patrick Conway, the CMS's chief medical officer and deputy administrator. Lung cancer screening with LDCT will be covered once per year for beneficiaries who: (1) are age 55-77; (2) are either current smokers or quit in past 15 years; (3) have a smoking history of 30 “pack years” (averaging one pack per day for 30 years); and (4) possess a written order from physician or other qualified practitioner. The coverage also includes a counseling visit on the benefits and risks of screening. Additionally, the national coverage determination includes required data collection and coverage eligibility criteria for radiologists and radiology imaging centers.

Reporter, Katy Lucas, Atlanta, + 1 404 572 2822, klucas@kslaw.com.