Smoker or Former Smoker? These Screening Exams Could Save Your Life

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on the importance of early detection. If you’re a current or former smoker, you already know the risks. But what you may not know is that several quick, non-invasive screening tests can catch serious health issues early—sometimes before symptoms appear.

Here’s a breakdown of key screening exams recommended for people with a history of smoking—what they check for, whether you need a referral, if insurance covers it, and where you can get it done.

Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening (LDCT)

What it checks: Early signs of lung cancer
Who it’s for: Adults ages 50–80 with a 20+ pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years
Where it’s performed: ✅ Performed at TRA Medical Imaging
Referral needed? ✔ Yes, requires a physician referral
Insurance coverage: ✔ Typically covered by Medicare and most private insurance if criteria are met
Self-pay price at TRA: 💲$223.80 (includes radiologist interpretation)

🩺 Why it matters: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and symptoms often don’t show up until it’s advanced. LDCT can detect lung cancer early—when it’s most treatable.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Screening

What it checks: Blood flow to the legs; identifies narrowed arteries caused by plaque buildup
Who it’s for: Smokers over age 50, especially if you have leg pain, diabetes, or high blood pressure
Where it’s performed: ✅ Performed at TRA Endovascular
Referral needed? ✔ Yes, requires a physician referral
Insurance coverage: ✔ Often covered if you have symptoms or risk factors

🩺 Why it matters: PAD increases your risk for heart attack, stroke, and limb loss. Many people mistake the symptoms (like leg cramping or fatigue) for normal aging.

CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring

What it checks: Calcified plaque in coronary arteries, a sign of early heart disease
Who it’s for: Adults age 40–75 with moderate risk of heart disease or smoking history
Where it’s performed: ✅ Performed at TRA Medical Imaging
Referral needed? ✔ Yes, requires a physician referral
Insurance coverage: 🚫 Not typically covered by insurance
Self-pay price at TRA: 💲$179.40 (includes radiologist interpretation)

🩺 Why it matters: This quick scan helps you and your doctor understand your heart disease risk—and take steps to prevent a heart attack.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Ultrasound

What it checks: Bulging or enlargement of the abdominal aorta
Who it’s for: Men aged 65–75 who have ever smoked
Where it’s performed: ✅ Performed at TRA Medical Imaging
Referral needed? ✔ Yes
Insurance coverage: ✔ Covered by Medicare as a one-time screening if criteria are met

🩺 Why it matters: Aneurysms often have no symptoms but can be life-threatening if they rupture. Early detection allows for monitoring or treatment.

Carotid Artery Ultrasound

What it checks: Narrowing in the arteries that supply blood to the brain
Who it’s for: Smokers with stroke symptoms, high cholesterol, or known vascular disease
Where it’s performed: ✅ Performed at TRA Medical Imaging
Referral needed? ✔ Yes, ordered by a physician based on symptoms or risk
Insurance coverage: ✔ Covered if medically indicated

🩺 Why it matters: Carotid artery disease increases stroke risk. This screening is generally ordered if your doctor notices abnormal neck sounds (bruits) or you’ve had TIA symptoms.

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) or Spirometry

What it checks: Lung capacity and function; screens for COPD
Who it’s for: Smokers with chronic cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath
Where it’s performed: ❌ Not performed at TRA (typically done at a pulmonary clinic or primary care office)
Referral needed? ✔ Yes
Insurance coverage: ✔ Typically covered if symptoms are present

🩺 Why it matters: COPD is a leading cause of disability. Early diagnosis can help slow its progression.

Oral Cancer Screening

What it checks: Signs of oral, throat, or esophageal cancer
Who it’s for: Anyone with a history of smoking or tobacco use
Where it’s performed: ❌ Not performed at TRA (usually done during dental or ENT visits)
Referral needed? 🚫 Not usually—often included in routine dental checkups
Insurance coverage: ✔ Sometimes included with dental preventive care

🩺 Why it matters: Smoking and tobacco use significantly increase oral cancer risk. Early detection is key.

Not Sure Where to Start? We Can Help.

If you’re a current or former smoker, these screenings are not about fear—they’re about staying informed, catching problems early, and giving yourself the best shot at a long, healthy life.

📞 Call us today to schedule a screening or ask your provider if you’re eligible for a referral-based exam: 253-761-4200.
🌐 Visit the Patient Connection portal to schedule your exam online.

✅ Screening shouldn’t be confusing. We’re here to guide you.