Preventive Services

Preventive Services Guide


Lung Cancer Screening Counseling and Annual Screening for Lung Cancer with Low-Dose Computed Tomography

Table of Contents

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Lung Cancer Screening Counseling and Annual Screening for Lung Cancer with Low-Dose Computed Tomography

Lung cancer screening uses LDCT i.e. a CT scan with a low dose of radiation, to find lung nodules, some of which may be cancer. People who take part in screening can lower their chances of dying from lung cancer. In general, lung cancer screening is not a single test but a process that must be done correctly under the direction of your doctor(s).

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Coverage Criteria and Frequency Limits

Covered annually for patients that meet all of the following criteria:

  • Asymptomatic
  • Either a current smoker or has quit smoking within the last 15 years
    • Tobacco smoking history of at least 20 pack years
  • Receive an order from doctor or qualified practitioner
    • Must contain the following for both initial and subsequent LDCT visit(s)
      • date of birth; actual pack year smoking history (number); current smoking status or number of years since quitting smoking; statement the beneficiary is asymptomatic; NPI of ordering practitioner

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Initial LDCT

  • Beneficiary must receive an order during a lung cancer screening counseling and shared decision making visit (before the initial LDCT visit)
  • Determination of beneficiary eligibility
  • Shared decision making
  • Counseling on the importance of adherence to annual screenings
  • Counseling on maintaining cigarette smoking abstinence/cessation

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Subsequent LDCT

  • Beneficiary must receive an order which may be furnished during any appropriate visit with a physician or qualified nonphysician practitioner

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HCPCS/CPT Coding

  • G0296: Counseling visit to discuss need for lung cancer screening (LDCT) using low dose CT scan (service is for eligibility determination and shared decision making)
  • 71271: Computed tomography, thorax, low does for lung cancer screening, without contrast material(s)

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Diagnosis Coding

  • ICD-10 Codes
    • F17.210, F17.211, F17.213, F17.218, F17.219, Z87.891

Additional ICD-10 codes may apply. See the CMS ICD-10 webpage for individual CRs and the specific ICD-10-CM codes Medicare covers for this service, and contact your Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for guidance.

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Cost Sharing

  • Copayment/coinsurance waived
  • Deductible waived

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Reimbursement

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Nonparticipating Providers

  • Nonparticipating reduction applies
  • Limiting charge provision applies

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Related Content

Revised 10/12/2023