Timeliness of Recommended Follow-Up After an Abnormal Finding on Diagnostic Chest CT in Smokers at High Risk of Developing Lung Cancer

Abstract

PurposeDiagnostic chest CT frequently results in abnormal findings that require follow-up. We assessed the timeliness of follow-up after CT abnormalities were identified in symptomatic smokers at high risk for developing lung cancer. MethodsIn an academic primary care network, we identified current smokers aged 55-79 years who received a diagnostic chest CT to evaluate symptoms during 2012. Medical chart abstraction identified radiologist recommendations and follow-up care. The outcome was the proportion of patients who received timely follow-up (within 30 days of recommendation) after an abnormal chest CT. We assessed for predictors of compliance with recommended follow-up. ResultsOf 3,257 eligible smokers, 446 (14%) had a chest CT during 2012. We excluded 70 patients who already had lung cancer, died, had imaging done elsewhere, or left the practice. Of the remaining 376 patients, 337 (90%) had abnormal chest CT findings, and 184 (55%) had a specific follow-up recommendation. Among those with recommended follow-up, only 102 of 184 (55%) had timely follow-up. Those who had a CT performed to evaluate pulmonary disease and those receiving care in community health centers were more likely to receive timely follow-up. Of 27 patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer, 18 (67%) had their first oncology visit within 30 days of diagnosis. ConclusionsAmong patients undergoing diagnostic chest CTs, most received follow-up for abnormal findings, but it was often delayed. Systems to support patients in obtaining recommended follow-up are needed to ensure that the benefits of lung cancer screening translate into usual clinical practice.