BLOOMINGTON — IU Health is rolling out Indiana’s first-ever mobile lung screening unit, delivering low-dose CT (LDCT) scans directly to rural communities in an effort to catch lung cancer at its earliest—and most treatable—stage.
The state-of-the-art mobile unit offers a quick, non-invasive scan that takes less than two minutes, with no needles, no dietary restrictions, and no need for patients to change clothes. Results are typically available within seven days.
“Our priority is eliminating the barriers that prevent people in rural areas from receiving potentially life-saving lung cancer screenings,” said an IU Health spokesperson. “Whether it’s transportation, time, or cost, this mobile unit is designed to meet people where they are.”
The scans are fully covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurers. For those who qualify but are uninsured, IU Health will cover the cost of the scan.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and often shows no symptoms until advanced stages. Annual LDCT screenings have proven to be the most effective way to detect the disease early.
To receive a scan, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Age 50 to 77
- A 20-pack-year smoking history (such as one pack per day for 20 years)
- Be a current smoker or have quit within the last 15 years
Those who quit smoking more than 15 years ago are not currently eligible under insurance guidelines.
Upcoming locations are:
- Monday, June 30 – Walmart Parking Lot, 735 N Gospel St, Paoli, IN (9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
- Tuesday, July 15 – Carroll Corner, Maple & Washington St., Orleans, IN (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
- Monday, July 21 – Humphreys Park, 1300 A St NE, Linton, IN (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
- Tuesday, July 22 – Center Township Fire Dept., 11216 Route 54, Bloomfield, IN (9:30 a.m. – TBD)
- Monday, August 4 – Redemption Church, 1 Loogootee Plaza, Loogootee, IN (9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
- Thursday, August 14 – Daviess County Health Dept., 300 E Hefron St, Washington, IN (9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
- Monday, August 18 – The Solutions Center, 1490 W Main St, Mitchell, IN (9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
