Abstract
We describe the use of a central laboratory to identify patients who may be candidates for a hypercholesterolemia treatment program and to direct their referral into this program. The laboratory, providing service for 16 medical practices in a rural area of upstate New York, served as the entry point to the treatment program for those patients with serum cholesterol > or = 5.18 mmol/L. This treatment program, designed to follow the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel Guidelines, was provided by the lipid referral center staff, including a registered dietitian and a lipid specialist. After introduction of this program, 52% of eligible patients received nutritional counseling for hypercholesterolemia, compared with only 29% in usual care settings. This program represents an enhanced role for laboratories in the implementation of treatment protocols typical of those adopted by managed care networks.
Effect of Managed Care on Perinatal Transports for the Publicly Funded in Upstate New York