Patient and Provider Groups Urge Medicare Not to Undercut Lung Cancer Screening
By a
LDCT lung cancer screening is the first and only cost-effective test proven to significantly reduce lung cancer deaths. A letter spearheaded by
"As we have long reinforced, LDCT lung cancer screening is a proven, valuable tool in finding the number one cancer killer at its most treatable, and even curable, stage," said
"Without access to LDCT scans, most lung cancers are not diagnosed until it is too late. Lung cancer screening provides critical early detection that saves lives -- but the best test in the world won't be effective if patients can't gain access to it in their communities," said
More than 220,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. Nearly 160,000 people will die from the disease -- more than from breast, colon and prostate cancers combined. The proposed reimbursement cuts would likely restrict screening programs to large metropolitan hospitals. Those in suburban and rural areas may face longer commute and wait times to be screened -- if they can gain access to screening at all.
"Doctors and patients need to discuss the pros and cons of screening, smoking cessation and other factors that can improve patient care. Shared decision-making discussions with patients are one of the best "teachable moments" to encourage smoking cessation. Lung cancer disproportionately affects the elderly, poor, and minorities. For CMS to undercut lung cancer screening and restrict access to these exams with massive cuts accentuates disparities in health care delivery and undermines our ability to save thousands of lives," said
"CT lung cancer screening is a game changer in the battle against lung cancer. Slashing reimbursement by up to two-thirds before screening can be implemented in most American communities may be a death knell for many existing and planned screening programs nationwide. The resulting lack of access may contribute to unnecessary lung cancer deaths. We strongly urge CMS to reconsider these cuts," said
For more CT lung cancer screening information, visit RadiologyInfo.org.
SOURCE
Keywords for this news article include:
Our reports deliver fact-based news of research and discoveries from around the world. Copyright 2016, NewsRx LLC
Centene Wants To Sell ACA Plans In Arizona
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News