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      Lung Cancer Early Detection and Diagnosis

      Issue

      Lung cancer is often found at a late stage, when treatment is less effective and survival rates are lower. Although screening can reduce lung cancer deaths by up to 20%, the literature repeatedly shows screening rates among eligible patients are on average 5%-10%. This can delay important follow up and diagnostic tools such as lung nodule biopsies, biomarker testing, and further imaging.

      Project Objective

      Together with a team of national experts, AMGA and 5 healthcare organizations will work to improve early detection and diagnosis of non small cell lung cancer through increased lung cancer screening for eligible patients. Healthcare organizations may additionally focus on improving rates of follow up and/or biomarker testing to support diagnosis.

      Results

      Coming 2026-2027

      Interventions

      Interventions address system-level gaps including:

      • Pack years data availability within the EHR is limited (lack structured field, inconsistent or incomplete assessment, staff/provider education needed)

      • USPSTF guidelines for screening not aligned with CMS reimbursement

      • Variable practices for LDCT follow-up by provider (results communication and biomarker testing)

      • Multi-disciplinary coordination between primary care, pulmonary, and oncology in addition to standardized EHR tools at the point of care.

      Under development in partnership with 5 AMGA members, stay tuned! Potential interventions include:
      Patient Level

      Patient Level

      • Integration of shared decision-making (SDM) and education tools at point of care for smoking cessation, screening, follow up, and biomarker testing

      • Patient outreach to resolve barriers to LDCT screening
      Provider or Staff Level

      Provider or Staff Level

      • Training on collecting pack years data

      • Point of care determination for screening

      • Primary care education on available EHR tools for pack years, SDM, and flags for lung cancer screening
      Health System Level

      Health System Level

      • Implement structured fields for pack years and/or SDM documentation

      • Implement standard protocol for biomarker testing at the time of lung nodule workup informed by Lung RADS

      • New or expanded implementation of biomarker testing

      • Shorten time periods for patients from screening to diagnosis

      Additional project information
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