Advanced Lung Center

With Westmoreland County exceeding the state and national incidence rate for lung cancer, coordinating lung and pulmonary services becomes a priority for our population.

To combat that rate, Excela Health has formed the Advanced Lung Center under the direction of Michael F. Szwerc, MD, board certified general and thoracic surgeon. The Excela Advanced Lung Center offers you a means of ruling out or detecting lung cancer earlier, when successful strategies come into play.

A low dose CT scan aids in finding cancer sooner and with early detection generally, more treatment options may be available.

Excela Advanced Lung Center locations:

Mountain View Medical Park

200 Village Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601

Excela Square at Latrobe

100 Excela Drive, Latrobe, PA 15650

Excela Square at Norwin

8775 Norwin Avenue, North Huntingdon, PA 15642

Excela Square at Frick

508 South Church Street, Mount Pleasant, PA 15666

Now more than ever, advanced screening can detect lung cancers earlier, so individuals can get better treatment outcomes. The screening utilizes a “low dose” CT scan to find any nodules especially in people who do not yet show any signs of lung cancer, but may be considered at high risk for the disease. Remember, the screening is a process, not a single test. An individual must adhere to the screening for early detection.

Lung Cancer Screening Saves Lives: A Patient’s Perspective on Screening

Lung Cancer Patients Describe the Importance of a Low Dose CT Scan at Excela Health

Lung cancer patients describe the importance of a low dose CT scan at Excela Health

In Touch Lung Awareness Interview with Dr. Michael Szwerc

Who Should Consider a Lung Cancer Screening?

• Individual is age 50 to 80
• Individual is a current or former smoker with a 20 pack-year history.
• If the individual is a former smoker, that smoker must have quit within the last 15 years

Benefits and Risks of Lung Cancer Screening

• Chance of finding cancer is greater with the screening
• Early detection usually means there are more treatment options available
• The screening itself does not prevent cancer; it is a way to detect cancer, if present
• Extremely low risk of developing cancer from the CT scan radiation
• There can be a “false positive” reading, meaning the nodules detected may not be cancerous
• There may be an added need for more testing if a nodule is detected

As a preventive service, the cost of the screening is typically covered by Medicare. Private insurance companies are starting to follow the same Medicare guidelines. Our staff will authorize all coverage and notify you of any out-of-pocket charges that may be required. Affordable out-of-pocket payment options are available for those who do not meet criteria, are without insurance coverage or for whom insurance has denied coverage. For additional information, please call 724-689-1440.

How to Schedule an Appointment

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 724-689-1440 today. Our staff will schedule your appointment if you meet the requirements listed above.