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The impact of office cholesterol testing
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester, NY 14620.
The Journal of Family Practice
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Free office cholesterol testing increased screening rates, especially for younger and uninsured patients. However, it did not significantly impact blood cholesterol reduction efforts.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Medicine
- Preventive Cardiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The clinical utility of portable cholesterol analyzers for hypercholesterolemia management remains debated.
- This study evaluated the impact of accessible, in-office cholesterol testing on screening behaviors and cholesterol level reduction within a family practice setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if free, on-site cholesterol testing influences patient screening frequency.
- To assess the effect of office-based cholesterol testing on lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Main Methods:
- A 1-year study involving two patient-provider teams with access to an office cholesterol analyzer (study group) and two without (control group).
- Data collected after a 5-month baseline period, comparing screening rates and cholesterol levels between groups.
Main Results:
- Cholesterol screening increased from 28% to 52% in the study group versus 29% to 42% in the control group (OR=1.47).
- Patients screened in-office were younger (36 vs. 42 years) and barriers for uninsured individuals were reduced.
- No significant clinical or statistical difference in blood cholesterol reduction was observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Free office cholesterol testing enhances cholesterol screening prevalence, particularly among younger and uninsured populations.
- Despite increased testing, the availability of office analyzers did not demonstrate a significant effect on motivating patients to lower their cholesterol levels.