Low Dose CT Chest Imaging Guideline Addendum

Low-dose CT of the chest (CPT 71271) for lung cancer screening per NCD 210.14 is covered annually for asymptomatic individuals aged 50–77 with a ≥20 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years, provided there is a written order and a counseling/shared decision-making visit before the first screen. Coverage is limited to non-contrast LDCT once every 12 months and excludes symptomatic patients (e.g., unexplained cough, hemoptysis, or unexplained weight loss >15 lb) and those outside the age or smoking-history criteria.

"Lung cancer screening with Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) as described in NCD 210."

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