Cholesterol Testing

Current guidelines from the American Heart Association indicate that fasting is not always required for cholesterol screening. Non-fasting tests are acceptable for most routine screenings. However, if you have very high triglycerides or are monitoring treatment effectiveness, fasting for 9-12 hours may provide more accurate results. Our medical providers can advise whether fasting is recommended for your specific situation.

We provide rapid results, typically available during your visit. Our on-site laboratory equipment allows us to process your lipid panel quickly, so you can discuss your numbers with our medical providers before you leave. This eliminates the need for a separate follow-up appointment just to review results.

A complete lipid panel measures four key components: total cholesterol (overall cholesterol level), LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, often called 'bad' cholesterol), HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or 'good' cholesterol), and triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood). Together, these measurements help assess your cardiovascular disease risk and guide treatment decisions.

According to CDC guidelines, adults age 20 and older should have cholesterol checked every 4-6 years if results are normal. However, more frequent testing is recommended if you have high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, family history of cardiovascular disease, or are taking cholesterol-lowering medications. Your healthcare provider can recommend an appropriate testing schedule based on your individual risk factors.

Our medical providers can prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications when clinically appropriate based on your results, risk factors, and medical history. However, we typically recommend coordinating with your primary care provider for ongoing cholesterol management, as this requires long-term monitoring and medication adjustments. We can provide initial prescriptions and recommendations while helping you establish or reconnect with primary care.

Please bring your photo ID, insurance card (if applicable), and a list of current medications including any supplements. If you have previous cholesterol results, bringing those for comparison is helpful. Also bring information about your family history of heart disease or high cholesterol, as this helps us assess your cardiovascular risk more accurately.

Most insurance plans cover routine cholesterol screening as preventive care, often with no copay when performed at recommended intervals. However, coverage varies by plan. We accept most major insurance plans and can verify your benefits. For patients without insurance or those preferring to pay out-of-pocket, we offer transparent, affordable pricing for lipid panel testing.

If your results show elevated cholesterol levels, our medical providers will discuss your specific numbers and what they mean for your health. Depending on your overall cardiovascular risk, recommendations may include lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise changes), medication therapy, or both. We provide detailed guidance on heart-healthy eating, physical activity goals, and when to retest. For ongoing management, we can coordinate with your primary care provider or help you establish care if you don't currently have one.