We’re excited to bring a brand new service to our community: low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening. Until recently, patients had to travel out of town for screening. Today, it can be done in Glencoe, with a simple process that’s quick, comfortable, and close to home.
“This is exciting for us because it allows patients to stay local for care they would otherwise have to travel for,” said Tonya Vandermillen, Director of Imaging Services. “More importantly, it gives us the chance to detect lung cancer earlier, when it’s more treatable. If we can catch it at an early stage, we may be able to save lives – and that’s what makes this service so meaningful.”
From the moment you walk through our doors, our team will guide you every step of the way. After checking in at the front desk of the hospital, you’ll head down to Medical Imaging, where a technologist will walk you through a short questionnaire which confirms that the screening is right for you. To qualify, patients need to be between 50 and 80 years old, have a smoking history of 20 packs a year or more on average, and be a current smoker or someone who has quit within the last 15 years.
The scan itself is easy. You’ll lie comfortably on your back, place your arms above your head, and follow simple breathing instructions as the CT machine does its work. In about five minutes, the scan is complete. From start to finish, the whole appointment usually takes around 15 minutes.
to make your screening process comfortable and seamless.
Once the scan is done, the images are reviewed by a board-certified radiologist and then sent to your primary care provider, who will share your results with you. Depending on what’s found, you may be asked to return for another scan in a few months or simply come back each year for your annual screening.
“These screenings offer our patients early detection and potentially life-saving care,” said Tonya. “It’s one more way we’re proud to care for our community right here at home.”
Because this test requires a referral, the first step is to talk with your primary care provider. Once the order is placed, scheduling is quick – sometimes even within a day, depending on your insurance.
To schedule an appointment with your primary care provider, call us at 320-864-7816, or learn more about our medical imaging services by clicking here.
