PRP's National Lung Cancer
Screening Program Service Information
You have the conversation. We do the rest.
Because a simple conversation could save a patient’s life.
The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) provides eligible Australians with access to Low Dose CT screening designed to support the early detection of lung cancer.
At PRP Diagnostic Imaging, we’ve made the referral process simple.
Referring is easy.
Download NLCSP with PRP Brochure
Eligibility
Refer patients aged 50–70 who are current or former smokers and meet NLCSP criteria. Full eligibility details are available via the program guidelines or by contacting our team.
Why refer your patients to PRP?
- Fast, secure eReferrals
- Low-dose CT screening delivered as part of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program
- Structured reports returned within 3 business days
- Automatic patient recall at the appropriate screening interval
- Management of National Cancer Screening Register requirements
- Direct access to reporting radiologists
- Dedicated Referrer Support Line for clinical and booking assistance
- Trusted specialist diagnostic imaging provider
Have further questions? Contact our referrer support team or your local PRP practice.
How to refer to PRP for the NLCSP
Use any PRP referral form, and include:
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- Initial Scan – “National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP)” and “CT – Chest” – and state the patient is eligible for the NLCSP
- Follow Up Scan – “National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP)” and “CT – Chest” – and “Follow-up per report dated –/–/–“
NLCSP Referral Pathway with PRP
We’ll contact your patient to arrange their low-dose CT appointment (for eReferrals). Patients referred via paper referral can book online, by phone or at any PRP practice.
Your patient attends their low-dose CT screening appointment.
You’ll receive a structured report within 3 business days, including the patient’s risk category and recommended management.
We’ll manage National Lung Cancer Screening Program requirements, including registering eligible patients, which coordinates ongoing screening recalls and reminders through the National Cancer Screening Register.
Additional Findings
Patients requiring further assessment are managed through established clinical
pathways with referrers notified of significant findings. Additional findings may include:
What Happens After Screening?
You will receive a structured report with management recommendations based on the National Lung Cancer Screening Program Nodule Management Protocol
How does my patient get notified of results?
National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR)* sends requesting practitioner correspondence of all results.
Program Outcomes
Approximately 84% of patients screened through PRP Diagnostic Imaging have received a negative result and simply return for routine screening in two years, providing reassurance for both patients and referrers while supporting long-term participation in the program.
Support and Resources
Have further questions? Contact your local Business Development Manager.
Health professional and provider resources for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.
NLCSP Resources for the Health Sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP)?
The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) is an Australian Government initiative designed to detect lung cancer early in people at higher risk. Eligible participants receive a low-dose CT scan, with ongoing screening managed through the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR).
Who is eligible to participate?
Patients may be eligible if they:
- Are aged 50–70 years
- Are asymptomatic
- Have a significant smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 10 years
- Meet the current NLCSP eligibility criteria
Refer to the latest NLCSP guidelines for full eligibility requirements.
What is my role as the referring practitioner?
As the referring practitioner, you are responsible for:
- Assessing eligibility using current NLCSP guidelines and your clinical judgement
- Referring eligible patients for a low-dose CT scan
- Discussing results and ongoing management with your patient
PRP manages the imaging pathway, patient appointments, reporting and program requirements.
How do I refer a patient to PRP Imaging for a lung screen?
Use any PRP referral form, and include:
- Initial Scan – “National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP)” and “CT – Chest” – and state the patient is eligible for the NLCSP
- Follow Up Scan – “National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP)” and “CT – Chest” – and “Follow-up per report dated –/–/–“
Do I need a special referral form?
No. A standard PRP referral can be used.
What should I write on the referral?
- Initial Scan – “National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP)” and “CT – Chest” – and state the patient is eligible for the NLCSP
- Follow Up Scan – “National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP)” and and “CT – Chest” – “Follow-up per report dated –/–/–“
Where can patients have their scan done?
Patients can attend any participating PRP Diagnostic Imaging practice offering the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. Patients can book online or phone our team who will help book the most convenient PRP location.
How do patients book their appointment?
PRP will contact your patient when an eReferral has been submitted.
Patients with a paper referral can also book online, call their preferred PRP practice or attend a PRP clinic in person.
How are results communicated?
You’ll receive a structured report within three business days, including the patient’s risk category and recommended management.
The National Cancer Screening Register also manages participant notifications and future screening reminders in accordance with the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.
What happens if a significant finding is identified?
Patients requiring further assessment are managed according to established National Lung Cancer Screening Program pathways. Significant findings and management recommendations are communicated promptly to the referring practitioner.
Does PRP manage the National Cancer Screening Register requirements?
Yes. PRP manages the National Cancer Screening Register requirements for eligible patients, helping reduce practice administration while supporting ongoing participation in the program.
Are NLCSP scans bulk billed at PRP Imaging?
Yes. National Lung Cancer Screening Program scans performed at PRP are 100% bulk billed, with no out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients.
Do I need to re-refer for future screens?
Yes. A new referral is required for each screening episode.
What if I'm unsure whether a patient is eligible?
Eligibility should be assessed using the current National Lung Cancer Screening Program guidelines. Clinical judgement remains important when identifying patients who may benefit from screening.
What if my patient is not eligible for NLCSP but is concerned about lung health?
If clinically appropriate, you may refer your patient for a diagnostic low-dose CT chest outside the National Lung Cancer Screening Program. This may be suitable for patients who:
- Are asymptomatic
- Fall outside the eligible age range – example 71 years
- Do not meet NLCSP criteria but have significant smoking history
Please refer with comment: “Asymptomatic”, “Low dose CT – chest” and “not eligible for National Lung Cancer Screening Program”
Alternatively, if your patient has symptoms, please refer them for diagnostic CT of the chest.
Have further questions on how to refer? Contact our referrer support team
Are NLCSP scans bulk billed at PRP Imaging?
Yes, NLCSP scans are 100% bulk billed. There are no out-of-pocket costs to the patient.
Do I need to register the patient?
No. PRP manages the National Cancer Screening Register requirements.
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