Going to the doc for cholesterol blood test....

[EverLosing]

Okay, I'm going to see my doctor on Friday to get blood tests. I've lost over 40 pounds since I went for an appointment in February.

My question is just that I'd like advice from those of you here who have had your cholesterol levels checked. Obviously, I need to tell him what tests I want done. I have insurance and am slightly interested in more than just cholesterol levels. I'm wondering how big a deal it is (and how EXPENSIVE) to have other things checked out, such as hormone levels. I'm reading Jillian Michael's new book, Mastering Your Metabolism. So, if you were to have other studies done, what would you have him check out? I'm curious about hormone levels. Should I have him run a wide ranging panel? Just tell him what things I'm interested in finding out? What do you recommend? I don't want to take off work to go back for more tests later. I'd like to fast once and get it all over with. What do you think?

[ldyj]

Generally when you have your annual physical a doctor does a full spectrum panel, checking everything. Ask your doctor if your last test was a full spectrum panel, and if not, that you'd like one this time. If he did so last time, tell him you'd like another one. Generally they'll run it - I've never ran into a problem when I've asked for a full panel. Good luck and let us know how your blood lipids have improved!

[whereami]

Everlosing, did you get your results yet?

[EverLosing]

Haven't gotten results yet. I'm going to the doc 5 hours from now and don't know how long it'll take to get results but trust me, they're like snails fighting their way through molasses.

[phil h]

Be sure on the lipid profile that they did they checked for VLDL and not just the standard total,HDL and LDL. Big difference.YOU will prob see a rise in LDL and unless this is borken down it may be confusing to your physcian.Generally Triglycerides will plummet but total, HDL and LDL will rise.The defining point is what kind of LDL rises.That is why the test should be specific.Don't take for granted that your dr is up on lipis testing as well as they should be.

[not2late]

Originally Posted by EverLosing

Okay, I'm going to see my doctor on Friday to get blood tests. I've lost over 40 pounds since I went for an appointment in February.

My question is just that I'd like advice from those of you here who have had your cholesterol levels checked. Obviously, I need to tell him what tests I want done. I have insurance and am slightly interested in more than just cholesterol levels. I'm wondering how big a deal it is (and how EXPENSIVE) to have other things checked out, such as hormone levels. I'm reading Jillian Michael's new book, Mastering Your Metabolism. So, if you were to have other studies done, what would you have him check out? I'm curious about hormone levels. Should I have him run a wide ranging panel? Just tell him what things I'm interested in finding out? What do you recommend? I don't want to take off work to go back for more tests later. I'd like to fast once and get it all over with. What do you think?

I used to do billing (then I got "promoted" ). Anyhow, most insurances will cover cholesterol testing and other "routine" lab work, like a complee blood cell count, a comprehensive metabolic panel, urinalysis, etc. If you want something like thyroid, then you have to discuss that with your physician. He/she will need to assign an appropriate diagnostic code in order to justify the test.

PS. The preferred cholesterol test is called an NMR Lipoprofile: it measures the LDL particles. :0

[EverLosing]

Originally Posted by not2late

If you want something like thyroid, then you have to discuss that with your physician. He/she will need to assign an appropriate diagnostic code in order to justify the test.

PS. The preferred cholesterol test is called an NMR Lipoprofile: it measures the LDL particles. :0

LOL!! Well, check this out! My doc walked into the exam room and saw little ol' me sitting there and demanded I stand up to give him a full view of my progress! I obliged, of course! So, then he hugged me repeatedly. It was an enjoyable crossing of the line between doc and patient. I told him I wanted all of my numbers, cholesterol, full spectrum panel and hormone levels. Of course, I wasn't sure what all he ordered based on the coding he filled out. He did want to see thyroid levels too and coded the reason as weight loss, just so it would "fly" with the insurance company. It's going to be a long time before I get the results. The office probably has all the numbers back by now but they're closed all next week for vacation. Yaaaaay.... I need to get another EKG done too. So, I may try to get that done next week and by the time I can get back to the doctor, he'll have all the results.

[not2late]

Good for you!