Want Moffitt's Mobile Lung Unit at your organization or event?
Moffitt Cancer Center is dedicated to screening and prevention. In addition to offering lung screenings at our Moffitt locations we are also introducing the first mobile lung screening unit in Florida, our goal is to increase screening rates and save more lives.
Having a lung cancer screening is an important part of a proactive health care plan for current and former smokers. Screenings can identify potentially cancerous abnormalities like lung nodules long before any symptoms occur.
Who Should Get a Lung Screening?
Our lung cancer screening program is open to patients considered high-risk based on national guidelines and evidence-based practices.
Eligibility criteria endorsed by the National Comprehensive Care Network (NCCN) classifies high-risk as individuals who are:
- 50 years of age or older
- 20 years or more of smoking
- Are not symptomatic for lung cancer
- Some symptoms include coughing up blood or unexplained weight loss
- Current or former smokers with a 20-pack year smoking history. Pack-year history is the number of packs smoked per day multiplied by the total number of years smoked. For example:
- ½ pack a day for 40 years: 0.5x40 = 20 pack-years
- 1 pack a day for 20 years: 1x20 = 20 pack-years
- 1 ½ packs a day for 14 years: 1.5x14 = 22 pack-years
- 2 packs a day for 10 years: 2x10 = 20 pack-years
- 3 packs a day for 7 years: 3x7 = 21 pack-years
Lung Screening Resources
If everyone who is eligible to undergo lung cancer screening actually had the screening done, 60,000 lives per year would be saved, that’s a significant amount. This is something we have to do.
Jhanelle Gray, MD
Chair, Thoracic Oncology Department at Moffitt Cancer Center
60,000 Lives Saved - Starts with You.
Having a lung cancer screening is an important part of a proactive health care plan for current and former smokers.
Mobile Lung Screening FAQs
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Do I need to make an appointment, or can I just walk up?
Yes, you need an appointment. We need to ask you some questions and complete registration first please complete the schedule your screening form to get started and book at the location most convenient to you. Or call 1-888-663-3488
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What should I expect?
It’s best to wear loose comfortable clothing to your appointment and you will be asked to take of anything that contains metal such as jewelry, glasses, hairclips, bras that contain metal. After completing some paperwork you will lay down on the CT and relax as the scanner passes over you. You don’t go inside a tube so it’s not claustrophobic and the scan itself only takes about a minute and you are done!
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How long does it take to get a Lung CT scan?
On the mobile unit or at one of our campuses it only takes approximately 10-15 mins from arrival to departure!
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When will I get my results?
In approximately 5-10 business days. A specialized lung screening radiologist will review the images and we will call you to explain your results and any recommendations. We can also schedule your next screening.
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Does insurance cover lung screenings?
Yes, Medicare and most private insurance plans are mandated to cover lung cancer screenings under the Affordable Care Act.
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If I don't have insurance, can I still get screened?
Yes! If you don't have Health Insurance coverage you can try to qualify for the Lung Screening Access Program for a free screening. If you don't qualify for the Lung Screening Access Program, you can self-pay the out-of-pocket fee that is under $200.
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Do you offer charity care?
Yes, If you answer yes to the following questions you may be eligible for a free lung screening through the Lung Screening Access Program:
- Current or former smoker that screening eligibility: over 50 year, 20 pack-year history
- Live in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, or Polk County?
- Are uninsured?
- Not on a student or tourist visa?
- Meet the income guideline of <200% the Federal Poverty Level?
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Do you take cash payments?
Yes, we offer Discounted Self Pay. If you don't have Health Insurance coverage and don't qualify for the Lung Screening Access Program but think you should get screened, you can self-pay the $170 out-of-pocket fee. Please call our financial counselors at 813-745-8422
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Why should people get their lungs screened?
Moffitt recommends lung cancer screenings because they can help find potentially cancerous abnormalities before they cause symptoms. Routine screenings can detect even the smallest abnormalities in lung tissue. Early detection can lead to early interventions and better outcomes and a higher quality of life.
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Who will lead my follow up care if needed?
If we find anything abnormal on your scan our expert Thoracic Team will work with you and your doctor on next steps that could include nodule monitoring, a minimally invasive procedure or a recommending a treatment plan.
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How often should I get my lungs screened?
It is recommended that people who are at high-risk get a yearly lung screening.
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Is the mobile lung unit wheelchair accessible?
No, there are several steps to enter the unit, however low-dose lung CT screenings are available at our campus locations. Our scheduling coordinators will book you at the best location for you when you call to make an appointment.
Introducing Moffitt's Mobile Lung Screening Unit
