Page 4 - Summa Health Cancer Institute 2016 Outcomes

Access to timely
pulmonology consults
for patients identified with
Lung Rads 4 Lung Screening
CT Scans

Authors: Brian Bauman, M.D., FCCP; Sandy Kohut,
RRT, BSAS; Sally Olszewski, RN, OCN; Laura Musarra, MBA

Background

The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) led to the start of Summa Health’s Lung Screening Program,
stressing the importance of screening high risk patients and providing timely evaluation/follow-up for
abnormal findings. Although findings were reported back to the ordering physician, Summa’s Lung Nodule
Program had no structured process or procedure to follow up on abnormal lung screenings. This study is
an attempt to improve the processes that will lead to more timely pulmonary referrals for patients classified
with Lung Rads 4 findings.

Criteria

Upon reviewing the 2015 data, of the 272 screenings performed, 18 had findings of nodules > 8 millimeters
or classified as Lung Rads 4 findings. Only two of the 18, or 11 percent, were seen or reviewed by a
pulmonologist within 48 hours. The Thoracic Oncology multidisciplinary team identified a need to
expedite pulmonary referrals within 48 hours for patients with Lung Rads 4 findings. Expediting to a
pulmonologist will improve time from detection to diagnosis and ensure the most appropriate diagnostic
management.

4 Cancer Institute 2016 Outcomes Report