But for people without health insurance, one practical question often comes first:

How much does a low-dose CT lung cancer screening cost?

There is no single nationwide price.

In 2026, publicly available hospital price data show that self-pay prices for the specific lung cancer screening CT procedure can vary substantially by location and facility. Recent hospital price data compiled from federally required hospital price-transparency files show examples ranging from roughly $100 to several hundred dollars, while some hospitals list prices above $1,000.

For example, recent 2026 price-transparency data show:

• Los Angeles-area hospitals: approximately $108 to more than $5,000, with a reported median of $312 for the outpatient screening CT code;

• Minneapolis-area hospitals: approximately $38 to $912, with a reported median of about $278;

• Philadelphia-area hospitals: approximately $102 to more than $2,000, with a reported median of about $249;

• Chicago-area hospitals: approximately $37 to more than $2,800, with a reported median of about $565.

These figures are not a national standard price and should not be treated as a quote.

The actual amount you pay can depend on the facility, geographic area, whether the radiologist's interpretation is included, whether a clinician visit is required, and whether additional testing is needed after an abnormal finding.

Medical information: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice or individualized insurance guidance. If you are eligible for lung cancer screening, discuss the appropriate test and expected costs with your healthcare professional and imaging facility.

What Is LDCT Lung Cancer Screening?

LDCT stands for low-dose computed tomography.

It is a specialized CT scan of the chest that uses a lower radiation dose than a standard diagnostic chest CT.

The purpose of LDCT screening is to look for early signs of lung cancer in people who are at increased risk but do not have symptoms of lung cancer.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) describes LDCT as a chest CT performed using settings designed to minimize radiation exposure compared with a standard chest CT.

LDCT screening is different from a diagnostic CT ordered because someone has symptoms.

That distinction can affect both medical management and cost.

How Much Does a Low-Dose CT Lung Screening Cost Without Insurance?

There is no universal self-pay price for LDCT.

Current 2026 hospital price-transparency data demonstrate substantial variation.

For the outpatient lung cancer screening CT procedure identified by CPT code 71271, recent publicly available hospital prices include examples such as:

These are examples from hospital price-transparency data collected in September 2026, not a nationwide average.

The large variation illustrates why searching for a single answer such as "$300" or "$500" can be misleading.

A better approach is to ask the specific imaging center for its self-pay price for CPT 71271.

What Is the Typical Self-Pay Price for LDCT?

For a straightforward screening scan, publicly available 2026 hospital pricing data show that a few hundred dollars is a common price point in many markets, but prices can be considerably lower or higher.

For example, one current dataset reports a median outpatient cash price of:

• about $249 in the Philadelphia market;

• about $278 in Minneapolis;

• about $312 in Los Angeles;

• and about $565 in Chicago.

Some individual facilities list substantially lower cash prices.

Others list prices above $1,000.

Therefore, if you are paying without insurance, shopping for a transparent self-pay price can make a meaningful difference.

Why Does LDCT Cost So Much at Some Hospitals?

Healthcare pricing in the United States varies widely.

A hospital's list price, negotiated insurance rate and discounted cash price can all be different.

A facility may also have separate charges associated with:

• the CT scan;

• radiologist interpretation;

• physician consultation;

• shared decision-making;

• follow-up imaging;

• or additional diagnostic procedures.

A low advertised scan price therefore does not necessarily mean that every service connected with the screening process is included.

Before scheduling, ask the facility to explain exactly what the quoted price covers.

Does the LDCT Price Include the Radiologist?

Not necessarily.

Some hospital price files list the facility's charge for the CT scan itself.

The radiologist's interpretation may be billed separately.

Current price-transparency data for CPT 71271 specifically warn patients to ask whether the self-pay price includes the radiologist's reading.

This matters because you could receive one price when calling the imaging center and later discover that another professional service was billed separately.

Before paying cash, ask:

"Does this self-pay price include the radiologist's interpretation?"

Does LDCT Screening Include the Doctor's Visit?

Not necessarily.

The screening process can involve a clinical discussion about whether LDCT is appropriate.

For Medicare beneficiaries, CMS specifically recognizes a counseling and shared decision-making visit before the first LDCT screening.

That visit is separate from the CT scan itself.

Private insurance plans and self-pay arrangements can have their own billing structures.

If you are uninsured, ask whether a consultation is required and whether it has a separate fee.

What Is CPT Code 71271?

CPT 71271 identifies the low-dose CT scan of the chest performed for lung cancer screening without contrast material.

CMS identifies 71271 as the code associated with the LDCT scan in the Medicare lung cancer screening benefit.

Knowing the code can make it easier to compare prices.

Instead of asking:

"How much is a lung CT?"

ask:

"What is your self-pay price for CPT 71271, low-dose CT for lung cancer screening without contrast?"

This helps distinguish the screening scan from other types of chest CT.

Is a Lung Cancer Screening CT the Same as a Regular Chest CT?

No.

Both use CT technology, but they are not necessarily performed for the same purpose.

LDCT screening:

• is intended for people without symptoms who meet screening criteria;

• uses a low-dose CT protocol;

• is designed for early detection in higher-risk populations.

Diagnostic chest CT:

• may be ordered because of symptoms, an abnormal X-ray, a known lung nodule or another medical concern;

• may use a different protocol;

• can involve contrast depending on the clinical question;

• and may have different billing and insurance rules.

Do not assume the price of a standard chest CT is the price of an LDCT screening scan.

Does LDCT Use Contrast Dye?

Standard lung cancer screening with LDCT is performed without contrast material.

CMS's billing guidance identifies CPT 71271 as a low-dose CT of the thorax for lung cancer screening without contrast material.

This is another reason to ask for the exact screening procedure when comparing prices.

A diagnostic chest CT with contrast can be a different service.

How Much Does LDCT Cost With Insurance?

The answer depends on your insurance plan.

For people who meet the requirements for preventive lung cancer screening, many health plans may cover the service under preventive-care rules.

However, coverage is not necessarily identical across all insurance plans.

Before scheduling, check:

• whether you meet the plan's eligibility criteria;

• whether the imaging facility is in network;

• whether the ordering clinician is in network;

• whether prior authorization is required;

• whether the service is classified as preventive screening;

• and whether any deductible or other cost-sharing applies.

Do not assume that an insurance card automatically means the scan will cost $0.

Is LDCT Free With Medicare?

For eligible beneficiaries, Medicare Part B covers annual lung cancer screening with LDCT at no cost to the patient when the applicable Medicare requirements are met and the provider accepts assignment.

Medicare currently requires the beneficiary to:

• be 50 through 77 years old;

• have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer;

• currently smoke or have quit within the previous 15 years;

• have at least 20 pack-years of cigarette smoking;

• and receive an order from a healthcare provider.

Before the first screening, Medicare also requires a counseling and shared decision-making visit addressing eligibility, benefits and risks, adherence, comorbidities and the person's ability or willingness to undergo diagnosis and treatment if something is found.

Does Medicare Charge a Deductible for LDCT?

No.

CMS states that Medicare Part B coinsurance and the Part B deductible are waived for this preventive lung cancer screening service when the applicable requirements are met.

Medicare.gov likewise states that eligible beneficiaries pay nothing when the provider accepts assignment.

This applies to the covered screening service.

It does not necessarily mean every service that might follow an abnormal result will be free.

What Happens if LDCT Finds a Lung Nodule?

This is an important cost distinction.

A screening LDCT may identify a pulmonary nodule or another abnormality.

The next step could include:

• repeat CT imaging;

• additional diagnostic imaging;

• specialist consultation;

• PET imaging;

• bronchoscopy;

• biopsy;

• or another evaluation.

Those services are not the same as the initial screening scan.

Their coverage and out-of-pocket costs can be different.

This is why you should not calculate the total financial cost of lung cancer screening by looking only at the price of the initial LDCT.

Does a Positive LDCT Mean You Have Lung Cancer?

No.

A screening scan can detect a suspicious nodule or other abnormality without proving that cancer is present.

Additional evaluation may be needed.

Some lung nodules are benign.

The appropriate follow-up depends on the size, appearance and characteristics of the finding, as well as the person's risk factors and prior imaging.

A positive or abnormal screening result therefore does not automatically mean cancer treatment will follow.

Can an Abnormal LDCT Increase Your Costs?

Yes.

The initial screening scan may be relatively inexpensive compared with subsequent diagnostic evaluation.

Depending on what is found, a patient may need:

• another CT scan;

• a pulmonology appointment;

• a radiology consultation;

• PET/CT;

• bronchoscopy;

• biopsy;

• pathology;

• or additional specialist care.

Insurance coverage and cost-sharing can differ for each service.

For this reason, people should ask their insurer or healthcare provider what happens financially if the screening scan produces an abnormal result.

How Much Does LDCT Cost at a Screening Center?

Dedicated lung cancer screening programs can sometimes offer transparent self-pay rates.

For example, one current 2026 health-system listing advertises a self-pay price of $129 for a low-dose CT lung scan.

That is an example from one health system, not a national price.

Other facilities may charge substantially more.

The practical lesson is:

Ask several facilities for their cash price before scheduling if you are paying out of pocket.

How Can You Find a Cheap LDCT Screening?

If you are uninsured or paying cash, compare facilities rather than assuming the nearest hospital has the lowest price.

Ask each facility:

1. What is the self-pay price for CPT 71271?

2. Does the price include the radiologist's interpretation?

3. Is the scan performed without contrast?

4. Is the price specifically for lung cancer screening?

5. Is a physician consultation required?

6. Is the consultation included?

7. Are follow-up recommendations included?

8. Will I receive a Good Faith Estimate?

These questions can prevent unexpected charges.

Can You Negotiate the Price of an LDCT?

Sometimes.

Healthcare providers may have different cash-pay or financial-assistance policies.

If you are uninsured, ask whether the facility offers:

• a discounted cash price;

• a prompt-pay discount;

• financial assistance;

• a self-pay screening program;

• or a fixed-price screening package.

Do not assume that the first quoted amount is the only available price.

What Is a Good Faith Estimate?

A Good Faith Estimate is an estimate of expected healthcare charges for people who are uninsured or who are not using insurance.

If you are paying cash for an LDCT, ask the facility for a written estimate of the expected charges.

The estimate should help clarify what you are expected to pay.

Because LDCT may involve more than one professional or facility service, ask whether the estimate includes the radiologist and any required consultation.

Can You Pay Cash Even If You Have Insurance?

Sometimes, but there are important considerations.

A facility may offer a cash price that is lower than an insurance-negotiated rate.

However, paying cash generally means the payment may not count toward your insurance deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.

Current hospital price-transparency data specifically caution patients to compare the cash price with their insurance rate and understand how a cash payment will be treated by the insurance plan.

Before paying cash, ask your insurer and provider whether the service should be processed through insurance.

Why Can Two Hospitals Charge Completely Different Prices?

Hospital prices are not standardized nationwide.

A hospital may have:

• a different negotiated insurance rate;

• a different cash discount;

• different facility fees;

• different radiology arrangements;

• or different pricing policies.

Public hospital price files demonstrate how large the differences can be.

In the Los Angeles market, for example, the 2026 data show outpatient cash prices for CPT 71271 ranging from $108 to more than $5,000.

That does not mean a patient should expect to pay $5,000 for a routine LDCT.

It demonstrates why the specific facility's cash price must be confirmed before scheduling.

Does Location Affect LDCT Cost?

Yes.

Current 2026 hospital price-transparency data show meaningful geographic differences.

For example:

• Minneapolis-area median: about $278;

• Philadelphia-area median: about $249;

• Los Angeles-area median: about $312;

• Chicago-area median: about $565.

These figures should be used only as examples of price variation.

They are not a recommended national budget.

What Is the Difference Between Cash Price and List Price?

This distinction is important when comparing hospital prices.

Cash price is the discounted price a facility lists for a patient paying without insurance.

List price, sometimes called a gross charge or chargemaster price, can be much higher.

The list price is not necessarily what an uninsured patient is expected to pay after discounts.

For example, hospital price-transparency files may show a cash price of a few hundred dollars while the corresponding list price is considerably higher.

When comparing LDCT prices, ask specifically for the self-pay or cash price, not the hospital's gross charge.

Should You Compare the Medicare Price?

If you have Medicare and qualify for screening, the most important question is generally not the hospital's cash price.

Medicare's covered benefit provides no beneficiary cost for eligible annual LDCT screening when the provider accepts assignment.

Instead, confirm that:

• you meet Medicare's eligibility criteria;

• the provider has ordered the screening;

• the facility can perform the covered screening service;

• and the service is billed correctly as lung cancer screening.

Does Medicare Cover Diagnostic CT After LDCT?

A diagnostic CT ordered because of an abnormal screening result is a different service from the initial preventive screening.

Medicare coverage can apply when the diagnostic service is medically necessary, but the cost-sharing rules can differ from those for preventive screening.

Therefore:

Preventive LDCT screening ≠ diagnostic follow-up CT

If your screening scan is abnormal, ask the provider whether the next scan will be billed as diagnostic imaging and what your expected cost-sharing will be.

Does Private Insurance Cover LDCT?

Many insurance plans cover recommended lung cancer screening for eligible patients, but exact requirements vary.

Your insurer may use:

• age requirements;

• smoking-history requirements;

• years since quitting;

• network restrictions;

• prior authorization;

• or specific facility requirements.

The safest approach is to call the number on your insurance card and ask specifically about:

"Annual low-dose CT lung cancer screening, CPT 71271."

Also ask whether the service is covered as preventive screening and whether you have any expected out-of-pocket cost.

What If Your Insurance Denies the Screening?

First determine why it was denied.

Possible reasons can include:

• the patient does not meet the plan's criteria;

• the facility is out of network;

• the claim was submitted incorrectly;

• prior authorization was required;

• the service was billed as diagnostic instead of screening;

• or the insurer's eligibility rules differ from the guideline you were using.

Ask the insurer for the exact denial reason and the applicable coverage policy.

If the service was medically recommended and you believe the claim was incorrectly classified, your healthcare provider's billing office may also be able to help.

Does the Affordable Care Act Cover Lung Cancer Screening?

Preventive-service coverage can apply to recommended lung cancer screening for eligible individuals with applicable private health insurance plans.

However, plan details, network requirements and applicable federal or state rules matter.

Do not assume that every insurance plan will pay the same amount or that every facility is treated identically.

For a current coverage determination, check your specific plan.

Is LDCT Worth Paying for Without Insurance?

For someone who meets evidence-based screening criteria, lung cancer screening can provide an opportunity to detect lung cancer earlier.

But the decision should not be based solely on price.

You should also consider:

• whether you actually meet screening criteria;

• the potential benefits of early detection;

• false-positive results;

• additional imaging;

• invasive follow-up procedures;

• radiation exposure;

• and whether you would be willing and able to undergo treatment if cancer were detected.

The purpose of screening is to find disease early in people who are likely to benefit from early treatment.

Should You Get LDCT If You Do Not Have Insurance?

If you meet the appropriate screening criteria but do not have insurance, talk with a healthcare professional about your options.

Do not skip screening solely because you assume an LDCT will cost thousands of dollars.

Current hospital price-transparency data show that self-pay prices can be substantially lower at some facilities, with many reported examples in the low hundreds of dollars.

Ask about:

• low-cost screening programs;

• community programs;

• discounted cash pricing;

• financial assistance;

• and facilities that publish transparent prices.

Is LDCT Covered if You Are Under 50?

Medicare's current coverage starts at age 50 for eligible beneficiaries.

The USPSTF and ACS recommendations also currently begin at age 50 for the standard high-risk screening population.

Therefore, being younger than 50 generally places someone outside the standard annual LDCT screening recommendation.

However, individual clinical circumstances can differ.

A person with unusual or significant risk factors should discuss the situation with a healthcare professional rather than ordering a screening CT independently.

Is LDCT Covered if You Quit Smoking More Than 15 Years Ago?

Medicare requires that eligible beneficiaries currently smoke or have quit within the previous 15 years.

The USPSTF uses the same 15-year criterion.

The American Cancer Society's current guideline differs and does not use years since quitting as an eligibility criterion.

This means that screening recommendations and insurance coverage can differ.

A former smoker who quit more than 15 years ago should discuss the situation with a healthcare professional rather than assuming that the Medicare coverage rule and every clinical guideline are identical.

How Much Does LDCT Cost Compared With a Diagnostic Chest CT?

There is no universal national price for either service.

The two procedures are also not interchangeable.

A screening LDCT is performed using a specific low-dose protocol for people who meet screening criteria.

A diagnostic chest CT may be ordered for symptoms or an abnormal finding and can involve different protocols and sometimes contrast.

The price of one should therefore not be used to estimate the price of the other.

When requesting a cash quote, use the exact service name and CPT code.

What Should You Ask Before Paying for LDCT?

Use this checklist:

Price

"What is your self-pay price for CPT 71271?"

Radiologist

"Does that price include the radiologist's interpretation?"

Consultation

"Is a physician or shared decision-making visit required, and is it included?"

Contrast

"Is this the low-dose lung cancer screening scan without contrast?"

Follow-up

"If the scan finds a nodule, what costs are not included?"

Estimate

"Can I receive a written Good Faith Estimate?"

Insurance

If you have insurance:

"What would my expected out-of-pocket cost be if I use insurance?"

These questions can make the final bill much easier to predict.

LDCT Lung Cancer Screening Cost: Example 2026 Prices

The following examples illustrate how widely prices can vary.

These figures come from hospital price-transparency data for CPT 71271 and were collected in September 2026. They demonstrate variation rather than establishing a national price.

LDCT Cost by Payment Type

Medicare's $0 screening benefit applies to the eligible preventive screening service, not automatically to every subsequent diagnostic service.

How to Save Money on LDCT Without Insurance

If you need to pay out of pocket, consider these steps:

1. Compare several facilities

Prices can differ dramatically even within the same metropolitan area.

2. Ask specifically for CPT 71271

This reduces the risk of comparing different CT services.

3. Ask for the cash price

Do not rely on the gross hospital charge.

4. Ask whether the radiologist is included

A separate professional charge can change the total.

5. Ask about screening programs

Some health systems offer fixed-price lung screening programs.

6. Request a Good Faith Estimate

Get the expected charges in writing.

7. Ask about financial assistance

Some hospitals have assistance programs for uninsured patients.

8. Compare cash and insurance pricing

If you have insurance but a high deductible, compare your expected insurance cost with the facility's cash price before paying.

Does a Low-Cost LDCT Mean Lower Quality?

Not necessarily.

A lower price does not automatically mean that the scan is inferior.

What matters is whether the facility performs the appropriate lung cancer screening protocol, has qualified professionals interpreting the images and follows appropriate reporting and follow-up standards.

CMS has specific requirements for facilities and radiologists participating in the Medicare LDCT screening benefit.

Do not choose a facility solely because it advertises the lowest price.

Instead, verify that it provides the appropriate lung cancer screening service.

What If a Facility Advertises a $100 LDCT?

A price around $100 is possible.

Current hospital price-transparency data contain multiple examples of self-pay prices around or below $100 in some markets.

But ask what is included.

A "$100 LDCT" may refer only to the facility component of the scan.

The radiologist's interpretation or other services could be billed separately.

Always ask for the total expected self-pay cost, not just the advertised scan price.

Is $500 a Normal Price for LDCT?

It can be.

Some markets have median self-pay prices around or above $500.

For example, the 2026 Chicago-area dataset reports a median outpatient cash price of about $565 for CPT 71271.

But that does not mean every patient should pay $500.

Other markets report considerably lower medians.

Price comparison can therefore be worthwhile.

Can LDCT Cost More Than $1,000?

Yes.

Some hospital price-transparency files list cash prices above $1,000 for CPT 71271.

For example, recent datasets show maximum reported prices above $2,000 in Philadelphia and Chicago and above $5,000 in the Los Angeles market.

These high prices demonstrate the extreme variation in hospital pricing.

They should not be interpreted as the expected price for a routine screening scan.

Ask about discounted self-pay rates before scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a low-dose CT lung cancer screening cost without insurance?

There is no national fixed price. Current 2026 hospital price-transparency data show many self-pay examples in the low hundreds of dollars, but prices can range from under $100 to more than $1,000 depending on the facility and market.

What is the CPT code for LDCT lung cancer screening?

The CPT code commonly used for the screening scan is 71271, which CMS describes as low-dose CT of the thorax for lung cancer screening without contrast.

Is LDCT free with Medicare?

Eligible Medicare beneficiaries pay nothing for covered annual lung cancer screening when the provider accepts assignment and the applicable requirements are met.

Does Medicare cover LDCT every year?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers the screening once a year for eligible beneficiaries.

Does Medicare cover LDCT if I am 50?

Yes, potentially. Medicare's current eligibility begins at age 50, but other requirements must also be met.

Does Medicare cover LDCT if I am 78?

No under the standard Medicare lung cancer screening eligibility range, which currently ends at age 77.

Does insurance cover lung cancer screening?

Many health plans cover recommended preventive screening, but exact eligibility, network and cost-sharing rules vary. Check your specific plan.

Does LDCT require contrast?

The standard lung cancer screening LDCT represented by CPT 71271 is performed without contrast.

Does LDCT include the radiologist's fee?

Not necessarily. Ask the imaging facility whether the radiologist's interpretation is included in the quoted price.

What if my LDCT finds a lung nodule?

You may need additional imaging or diagnostic evaluation. Those services can have separate costs.

Can I get LDCT without insurance?

Yes, if a facility offers self-pay screening and a healthcare professional determines that screening is appropriate.

How can I find a cheap LDCT?

Compare several imaging centers and ask specifically for the self-pay price for CPT 71271. Also ask whether the radiologist's interpretation and required consultation are included.

Is a $100 LDCT realistic?

Yes, some facilities publicly list prices around or below $100, but these prices are location-specific and may not include every associated service.

Can I use my insurance and still ask for a cash price?

You can ask. However, paying cash may mean the payment does not count toward your insurance deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. Confirm the implications with your insurer.

Is LDCT the same as a diagnostic chest CT?

No. Screening LDCT is intended for asymptomatic people who meet screening criteria, while diagnostic CT is used to evaluate symptoms or known abnormalities.

Does a positive LDCT mean I have lung cancer?

No. An abnormal screening scan may identify a nodule or other finding that requires further evaluation.

Is lung cancer screening worth paying for without insurance?

If you meet appropriate screening criteria, discuss the potential benefits, risks and cost with a healthcare professional. Do not assume the price is unaffordable without comparing local self-pay options.

The Bottom Line

There is no single U.S. price for LDCT lung cancer screening in 2026.

Current hospital price-transparency data show that self-pay prices for the lung cancer screening CT procedure can vary dramatically by location and facility. In several major markets, reported median cash prices are in the roughly $250–$565 range, while individual facilities list prices considerably below or above that range.

That means uninsured patients should not assume that an LDCT will automatically cost thousands of dollars.

At the same time, a very low advertised price does not necessarily represent the total cost.

Before scheduling, ask:

"What is your total self-pay price for CPT 71271, including the radiologist's interpretation and any required consultation?"

For eligible Medicare beneficiaries, the situation is considerably different. Medicare Part B covers annual LDCT lung cancer screening at no cost when the beneficiary meets the eligibility requirements and the provider accepts assignment.

Medicare currently requires:

Age 50–77 + asymptomatic + at least 20 pack-years + current smoker or quit within 15 years + provider order.

Finally, remember that the cost of the initial screening scan is not necessarily the total cost of the screening process.

If an LDCT finds a suspicious abnormality, additional diagnostic imaging, specialist visits or procedures may be needed.

The most useful way to compare LDCT prices is therefore not simply to ask:

"How much is a lung CT?"

Instead ask:

"What is the complete self-pay price for a lung cancer screening LDCT, CPT 71271, and what services are included?"

That question gives you a much clearer picture of what you may actually pay.

Official Medical and Pricing Sources

This article was fact-checked against:

• Medicare.gov

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

• CMS National Coverage Determination 210.14

• CMS billing guidance for CPT 71271

• Hospital price-transparency data published under federal requirements

• Current 2026 facility pricing examples

Key points reviewed:

• Medicare Part B covers annual LDCT lung cancer screening for eligible beneficiaries.

• Medicare's current eligibility range is ages 50–77.

• Medicare requires at least 20 pack-years and current smoking or quitting within the previous 15 years.

• Medicare waives the Part B deductible and coinsurance for the covered preventive LDCT screening service.

• CPT 71271 identifies low-dose CT of the thorax for lung cancer screening without contrast.

• Self-pay prices vary substantially among U.S. facilities.

• The facility's CT price may not include the radiologist's interpretation or other services.

• Diagnostic follow-up after an abnormal screening result can involve separate charges.

Last reviewed for source accuracy: October 2026.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Lung cancer screening recommendations, healthcare prices, insurance policies and Medicare rules can change. Always confirm the current price, coverage and eligibility requirements with the healthcare provider, imaging facility and insurer before scheduling a screening examination.