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Kootenai Health
Bone & Joint
Orthopedic care for injuries, joint pain and movement concerns, including advanced joint replacement, sports medicine, trauma care and recovery.

Brain & Spine
Neurologists, neurosurgeons and rehabilitation specialists with leading technology and treatment options for a wide range of brain, spine and nerve conditions.

Cancer Care
Nationally accredited cancer care with specialists working together on advanced treatment options, clinical trials and support through every step.
Digestive Health
Digestive specialists who diagnose and treat everything from routine screenings and ongoing symptoms to advanced procedures, IBD and liver disease.

Heart, Vascular & Lung
Nationally recognized specialists for heart, blood vessel and lung conditions, from testing and ongoing treatment to advanced procedures and surgery.

Women & Children
Connected care for women, babies and children, from everyday health needs and pregnancy to specialized hospital care when more support is needed.
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Kootenai Health in the Community
Rooted in community. Driven by care for all.
From sponsoring local events like Ironman to ensuring every neighbor has access to care, we're here for our community—because caring for our neighbors is who we are.
Community Involvement

Lung Cancer

The earlier we find it, the more we can do.

Most people don't think about lung cancer until they have a reason to. But finding it early can reduce the risk of dying from lung cancer by 20%. That number is a big reason why we built a lung cancer screening program recognized by the American College of Radiology—so that detection happens right here, in North Idaho.

Our program uses advanced tools many regions don't have close by, including navigational bronchoscopy, which reaches areas of the lung that standard imaging can see but not fully assess. We also have software scans CT reports in the background, flags higher-risk findings, and generates a report so our team can reach out to primary care physicians before symptoms develop.

If something is found, specialists across pulmonology, oncology, surgery, pathology, and imaging review your case together—building a treatment plan around you.

Earlier detection means more options. We're here to find them.

ACR Lung Screening Designation

Meets the highest national standards
Delivering the highest quality lung screenings using advanced technology, proven safety protocols, and imaging expertise.

> 1,100 Cases

North Idaho’s only navigational bronchoscopy program
Find answers about what's in your lung without surgery and close to home.

Robotic Lung Surgery

More precise. Less invasive. Close to home.
Robotic lung resection means smaller incisions, less impact on surrounding tissue, and a faster return to your daily life.
“We have the full suite of diagnostic capability, and the full suite of therapeutic capability.”
— Todd Hoopman M.D. | Pulmonary Diseases

You may qualify for a lung cancer screening if you:

  • Are 50 or older
  • Currently smoke, or smoked a pack a day for 20 years — or half a pack a day for 40 years — within the last 15 years

Quitting smoking is not required to receive care or qualify for screening. Lung cancer screenings are covered by Medicare and most private insurers. 

Talk with your primary care provider about a referral, call (208) 625-5864 (LUNG) or contact our team directly.

Our Services

Diagnostics & Evaluation
  • Lung Cancer Screening – Low-dose CT scans for patients at higher risk
  • Navigational Bronchoscopy – Advanced bronchoscopy equipment utilized to biopsy small pulmonary nodules
  • Multidisciplinary Cancer Case Conference (MCCC) – specialists from surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, lab, imaging and other specialists gather to review best practices and treatments for each patient
Procedures & Treatments
  • Robotic Lung Resection – Minimally invasive robotic-assisted lung surgery
  • Radiation therapy – Delivered in coordination with specialized radiation oncology teams as part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan
  • Immunotherapy  – Treatments that help the immune system recognize and respond to cancer cells
  • Targeted Therapy  – Drugs designed to target specific genetic or molecular changes within cancer cells
  • Clinical Trials – Opportunities to participate in leading national clinical trials and therapies

We specialize in what happens after the scan.

If a pulmonary nodule shows up on your CT, our dedicated Pulmonary Nodule & Lung Cancer Screening Clinic takes it from there. An RN Lung Nodule Coordinator stays with you, scheduling follow-up imaging, explaining what findings mean, and making sure next steps are planned. 

Our team works closely with Cancer Services and Cardiothoracic Surgery, and every patient is reviewed through a bi-weekly Multidisciplinary Cancer Conferences—specialists across disciplines determining next steps based on national guidelines.

Tim’s Story

When Tim Wilcox’s doctor recommended lung cancer screening — his first — he was surprised to learn it revealed stage 1 cancer. After minimally invasive robotic surgery to remove a cancerous growth, he was able to recover at home with minimal assistance. Today, Tim’s on his way to a full recovery. Early scanning and advanced treatment was key. His doctors acted early and quickly, which Tim believes saved his life. 

“I’d never had a screening for lung cancer before, and I’m glad [my doctor] referred me when he did. Otherwise I may not be here.”
— Tim Wilcox | Lung Cancer Care Patient

Take the next step.

Earlier Answers Start With Screening

Lung cancer screening is quick and pain-free. Talk with your primary care provider about whether it's right for you.

Advanced Follow-Up for Pulmonary Nodules

Refer patients with pulmonary nodules to our dedicated clinic for evaluation, surveillance, and follow-up.