Lipid Testing Frequency

This article summarizes Medicare guidelines regarding the frequency lipid testing. These guidelines have not changed; this is only a reminder. According to CMS National Coverage Determinations (NCD) Manual, Section 190.23 (Lipid Testing), it may be reasonable to perform the lipid panel annually when you are monitoring long-term anti-lipid dietary or pharmacologic therapy and when patients have borderline high total or LDL cholesterol levels. Medicare may cover lipid testing at various frequencies, depending upon the indications. The CPT code for lipid panel (80061) includes the following components: • Serum, Total Cholesterol (CPT code 82465) • Lipoprotein, Direct measurement, High Density, HDL Cholesterol (CPT code 83718) • Triglycerides (CPT code 84478)