Cholesterol Test Cost

Typical costs:

• Cholesterol testing is frequently done as part of an annual physical, which might be covered by medical insurance. If an insured patient receives a cholesterol test as part of a physical, there is typically a charge for an office visit copay.
• Walk-in clinics provide cholesterol testing for $50-$100 per visit. The cost usually includes the cost of lab testing and the cost of an office visit. For example, Minute Clinic[1] , the medical clinic located inside many CVS Pharmacy locations, offers cholesterol testing for $59-$69plus a $37 lab fee.
• Local pharmacies often provide cholesterol testing on-site. The test typically costs $5-$25. For example, Bartell Drugs[2] , a pharmacy with locations across Western Washington, offers a total cholesterol test for $5 and a complete lipid panel for $15. Publix[3] , with locations in South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida, offers cholesterol testing for $15-$20.
• There are two basic types of home cholesterol tests -- the kind done completely in the privacy of one's home and the kind that requires shipment to a laboratory to complete. At-home tests cost $15-$25; kits requiring shipment cost $25-$50.
• Portable digital meters check a patient's cardiovascular health. The meters often check for cholesterol level using test strips and typically sell for $75-$200. For example, CardioChek meters[4] typically sell for $90-$110 and provide cholesterol checks in less than two minutes.

• Cholesterol tests involve a phlebotomist drawing blood from a patient. Typically, a patient will have an elastic band placed around their upper arm to stop blood flow. The needle insertion site is cleaned with alcohol as part of the preparation. A needle is placed in the vein and blood is collected. Lab technicians will examine the blood for cholesterol.
• Home cholesterol check kits usually include test strips, lancets to pierce the skin, a test kit, gauze and bandages. For home test kits that are sent to a lab, expect to find a blood collection kit and shipping labels or a pre-paid mailer.
• Cholesterol meters usually include the meter itself and 2-3 test strips.

• Portable meters require test strip refills. Test strip packs typically come with 2-3 strips and cost about $10-$20. Walmart[5] sells a two-pack with each pack containing three test strips (six strips total) for about $19.

• Health fairs often have booths offering free cholesterol testing.
• Medical insurance may cover the cost of a cholesterol exam. Check with an insurance provider to find specific coverage details.

• Not all over-the-counter cholesterol kits are Food and Drug Administration-approved. The FDA maintains a database[6] of all of its approved products. The FDA warns[7] that while home-use tests are convenient, they should not replace regular visits with a physician.
• The American Heart Association's cholesterol website[8] provides a wealth of information about cholesterol, its effects, health risks and healthy lifestyles.
• WebMD[9] provides information to help patients understand cholesterol test results.

1.  www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/services/price-lists
2.  www.bartelldrugs.com/pharmacy-events
3.  www.publix.com/pharmacy/CholesterolScreening.do
4.  www.cardiochek.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=92&Itemid=168
5.  www.walmart.com/ip/Cholesterol-Biometer-Cholesterol-Test-Strips-2-Packs-of-3/10910675
6.  www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfIVD/Search.cfm
7.  www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/HomeUse...
8.  www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/Cholesterol_UCM_001089_SubHomePage.jsp
9.  www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/understanding-numbers

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