Table 2.
Biopsy Procedures and Probabilities after LDCT Screening: Results from Analysis of Medicare 5% Sample
| Biopsy type | Average cost paid by Medicare 2014 estimate, $a | Biopsy frequency by type, % |
|---|---|---|
| Fine-needle biopsy with imaging guidance | $1248.35 | 70 |
| Bronchoscopy biopsy | $2034.94 | 27 |
| VATS wedge resection | $15,204.34 | 3 |
| Thoracotomy | N/A | 0 |
| Weighted-average biopsy cost | $1847.83 |
a
2012 Medicare paid amounts were inflated to 2014 at 1.5% annually.
LDCT indicates low-dose computed tomography; VATS, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.