Doing Versus Documenting Shared Decision-Making for Lung Cancer Screening-Are They the Same?

Abstract

Lung cancer screening (LCS) with annual low-dose chest CT (LDCT) decreases lung cancer mortality by 20% compared with chest radiography [1]. LCS for high-risk individuals carries a US Preventive Services Task Force Grade B recommendation and is covered by CMS and third-party insurers [1,2]. Yet, different to other cancer screenings, CMS requires a documented, structured, shared decision-making (SDM) encounter before the first screening examination. This policy was intended to reinforce the need to select appropriate individuals for screening and to counsel them about the potential benefits and risks of screening and the importance of adherence [2].