A physician orders a lipid panel on a 54-year-old male with hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and a family history of heart disease. The lab employee in his office performs and reports the total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol only.

Question

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The physician ordered a lipid panel which includes total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. Even though the lab employee only reported total cholesterol and HDL, it is still appropriate to report a more comprehensive lipid panel with additional codes (82465 and 83718). The diagnosis codes of 272.0 (hypercholesterolemia) and V17.49 (family history of cardiovascular disease) should also be reported. The hypertension code (401.9) is not necessary to report for this particular lab result.

A Physician Orders a Lipid Panel on a 54-Year-Old Male