Outpatient management of lipid disorders

Outpatient cardiac centers, diabetic treatment clinics, multispecialty medical groups, and primary care medicine currently have a unique opportunity to establish cost-effective lipid management clinics. Such programs have been shown to reduce progression of coronary vascular disease, reduce mortality and clinical events, and ultimately reduce health care costs. Successful lipid clinic operation requires thorough clinical assessment, comprehensive and aggressive nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapy, productive compliance strategies, and meaningful outcomes measures. Also required are sound billing procedures, an effective marketing plan, a continual relationship with lipid training organizations, and full integration in the disease management process throughout the continuum of care. This systematic and aggressive approach to lipid management affords a significant opportunity for qualified nurses and allied health professionals to help reduce the unnecessary burden of premature cardiovascular disease.