CMS has announced very exciting news regarding the expansion of lung cancer screening CT imaging within the IDTF setting. Teh big news is that CMS has acted to remove barriers to IDTFs receiving referralsa and performing these LDCT lung cancer screening studies. CMS noted, "While smoking cessation services are appropriate for patiens, we are not making it a requirement that imaging facilities furnish the service because it would prevent IDTFs from furnishing LDCT screening."
RBMA has worked for many years within a coalition of organizations to change this National Coverage Determination to expand LDCT screening within the IDTF setting. I recall a meeting 4 years ago with CMS officials where I asked a CMS medical director, "Wouldn't it feel great to go home this evening and tell your family you potentially are saving smokers from cancer?" While the CMS official didn't seem to appreciate the question they now can do this.
Here is the complete CMS statement:
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx?proposed=N&ncaid=304
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Robert Still FRBMA
Executive Director
Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA)
Fairfax VA
(703) 621-3363
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