All PlansCoverageMedium impact
Screening for Lung Cancer Using Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi·MS · Pulmonology, Radiology, Family Medicine +2 more·Medical Policy
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
This policy establishes criteria for when low-dose CT lung cancer screening is medically necessary versus investigational. Screening is covered annually for patients aged 50-80 with 20+ pack-year smoking history who quit within 15 years (if former smokers), with State Health Plan not requiring prior authorization as of 2021.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must verify patient eligibility before scheduling low-dose CT lung cancer screening by confirming age 50-80, 20+ pack-year smoking history, and quit date within 15 years for former smokers. Note that State Health Plan members do not require prior authorization but screening must still meet medical necessity criteria. Claims not meeting criteria will be denied as investigational.