Mobile Lung Screening: Should We All Get on the Bus?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Technology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• National lung cancer screening adoption remains low, particularly in rural areas due to access challenges.
• A mobile lung screening program was developed to address these barriers for at-risk rural populations.
• This study details the feasibility and outcomes of a 12-month pilot project.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a mobile lung screening program for rural populations.
• To evaluate the operational and financial viability of a mobile lung screening initiative.
• To identify key factors influencing the success and sustainability of such programs.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team designed and implemented a mobile screening unit over 8 months.
• The program utilized a radiology technician, nurse practitioner, and specialized software for data management.
• Financial projections were based on Medicare claims data and generally accepted accounting principles.

Main Results:

• The mobile unit conducted 548 low-dose lung screenings at 104 sites within 12 months.
• Five lung cancers and one thymoma were detected; the program exceeded break-even analysis by 28%.
• Financial projections indicated a strong net present value and internal rate of return, contingent on downstream revenue.

Conclusions:

• A commercially viable mobile lung screening program is achievable.
• Financial sustainability is significantly dependent on effective management of downstream revenue from incidental findings.
• Addressing challenges in centralized management is critical for long-term program viability.