February 2019

Our Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Program

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and worldwide. This includes both men and women. Most cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking. Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT has proven to reduce the number of deaths from lung cancer in patients at high risk. Much like our mammogram screening program, individuals at risk should be screened every year.

The US preventative Services Task Force recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. LDCT screening for lung cancer is also recommended by the NCCN, American Cancer Society, American College of Chest Physicians, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, and the American Lung Association.

Is the LDCT Painful?

No, CTs scans are quick, painless, and noninvasive.

Is Lung Cancer Screening Covered By Insurance?

LDCT Lung Cancer Screening is covered by most commercial carriers and Medicare. You should consult your health insurance plan to see whether screening for lung cancer is covered. If it is not covered or you do not meet your health insurance plan's requirements, The Radiology Clinic offers a $200 self-pay option.

How Do I Schedule a LDCT Lung Cancer Screening?

Your doctor has to order a the test for you, but you can ask that it be scheduled at The Radiology Clinic. We are open from 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday and 8am to noon on Saturdays. Your doctor will be able to provide you with all the information you need prior to the test, and the our technologists and clinic staff is always available to answer any questions or address any concerns you have during your appointment.

Why ask your doctor to send you to The Radiology Clinic?

Compassionate Staff

The Radiology Clinic's caring staff recognizes that diagnostic testing can cause apprehension and uneasiness. Our technologists will take the time to explain exactly what you can expect, and someone is always available to assist you with questions or concerns.

Convenience

We are open from 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday and 8am to noon on Saturdays. Easily accessible from McFarland Boulevard, we are located just north of the Black Warrior River and ample free parking provides easy access to the clinic.

Depth of Experience

Our board-certified radiologists work with trained technologists to provide a compassionate, expert imaging experience. Radiologists are physicians who have received 4 to 6 years of advanced training after completing their medical degrees. Radiology technologists, who work closely with radiologists, receive 2 to 4 years of training in radiologic technology.

Meet Dr. James H. Bankston, Jr. - One of Our Radiologists

Dr. Bankston, a native of Alexander City, Alabama, joined The Radiology Clinic in August of 2006. He received his undergraduate degree from Duke University in Durham, NC. Dr. Bankston completed his medical degree at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama. He completed his internship at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama and his residency at the University of Alabama Birmingham, Department of Radiology. Dr. Bankston completed a fellowship in MRI with an emphasis on body and musculoskeletal imaging at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL. He maintains board certification by the American Board of Radiology.

“The Radiology Clinic is committed to being an active community health partner. Our Low Dose CT (LDCT) Lung Cancer Screening program is part of our commitment. The National Lung Screening Trial showed significant benefit of LDCT lung screening in high risk individuals. And, we are determined to maintain a high quality program in order to reproduce those benefits. We will ensure appropriately low CT radiation dose and strictly follow guidelines in order to minimize unnecessary callbacks.”