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Hamilton Diagnostics Center Designated as the Region’s
Only Accredited Lung Cancer Screening Center
Hamilton Diagnostics Center was recently
designated as an accredited lung cancer
screening center by the American College
of Radiology. Hamilton Diagnostics
Center is the only imaging provider in
the region, including Chattanooga, with
this designation.
In order to receive this
elite distinction, Hamilton
Diagnostics Center
underwent a rigorous review
of its lung cancer screening
protocol and processes.
The American College of
Radiology also requires that
the provider be accredited
in computed tomography
(CT) and have procedures in
place for follow-up patient
care, such as counseling
and smoking cessation
programs.
Lung cancer is the nation’s
leading cancer killer – taking
the lives of more people
each year than breast,
colon, and prostate cancers
combined. It kills nearly
160,000 people in the U.S.
each year. This is because
lung cancer is not usually
diagnosed until symptoms
develop. But thankfully, early
detection can save lives.
Approximately 85 percent
of lung cancer occurs in
current or former cigarette
smokers. However, the
good news is that by receiving a low-dose
computerized tomography (LDCT) scan
annually, lung cancer can be discovered at
its earliest, most treatable stage.
The screening consists of a CT scan that
uses special X-ray technology to obtain
images from different angles. These images
are then combined to show a cross-section
of the lungs. This type of low-dose CT
scan administers 90 percent less radiation
than a conventional CT scan and it only
takes about 10 minutes to complete. No
medications are given and no needles are
used. Fasting is not necessary and you
don’t even have to change out of your
regular clothes.
“Both current and former smokers can
benefit from low-dose lung cancer
screenings,” says radiologist Brian Cate,
MD. “As we know from many other
types of cancers, early detection
can save lives.”
Lung cancer screenings are available to
those who are:
• Age 55 to 77
• An active smoker or quit
less than 15 years ago
• Have a 30-pack-year history (To
calculate your “pack year” history,
multiply the number of packs per day
you usually smoke by the number of
years you have smoked. For example,
two packs a day x 15 years would
amount to 30 “pack years.”)
• Receive a written order from a
physician, nurse practitioner, or
physician assistant
“If you are a smoker or
former smoker, ask your
primary care physician if you
qualify for our low-dose lung
cancer screening,” says Terri
Sullivan, Clinical Manager
at Hamilton Diagnostics
Center. “It’s a painless,
10-minute test that could
save your life.”
Medicare and most
commercial insurance
companies now cover
the cost of the LDCT lung
cancer screening. Hamilton
Diagnostics Center offers
a discounted cash price
of $150 for those without
health insurance coverage.
Hamilton Diagnostics Center
706.272.6565
1407 North Thornton Avenue
Dalton, Georgia
HamiltonHealth.com/Diagnostics
“If you are a smoker or former smoker, ask your
primary care physician if you qualify for our
low-dose lung cancer screening. It’s a painless,
10-minute test that could save your life.”
- Terri Sullivan, Clinical Manager,
Hamilton Diagnostics Center
