Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States, according to the American College of Radiology (ACR). Recognizing how lung cancer affects our community, UPMC Western Maryland recently earned national accreditation from the American College of Radiology as a Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center.

“There is a large volume of smokers in this area and cigarette smoking is associated with higher incidences of lung cancer,” UPMC Western Maryland Director of Imaging, Krista Montgomery said. “It is important for [UPMC Western Maryland] to be an accredited Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center so our patients know they can stay close to home and have their lung cancer screenings performed earlier and in the safest and most accurate way possible.”

To earn the accreditation, the Lung Cancer Screening Center first had to apply for accreditation with the ACR for the CT scanners. Through this process, the ACR made sure UPMC Western Maryland met the highest standards in quality and safety for CT imaging services.

“Once we passed the first accreditation, we submitted a separate application with the ACR for the Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center,” Montgomery said. “We provided information on protocols, technique, and radiation dose that is used for the Low Dose Lung Cancer Screening exams.”

The Lung Cancer Screening Center includes radiologists, medical and radiation oncologists and the UPMC Western Maryland Cancer Committee.

A patient needs a referral from their primary care provider or another practitioner to have the Low Dose Lung Cancer Screening scan performed at the UPMC Western Maryland Lung Cancer Screening Center. These outpatient tests are scheduled at the UPMC Western Maryland Outpatient Diagnostic Center at the UPMC Western Maryland Administrative Complex Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To schedule an exam, please call the UPMC Western Maryland Centralized Scheduling at 240-964-8888.