Lipid Lab Routing Workflow
Route lipid results efficiently into the right follow-up pathway — and use the lipid routing tool.
Learning Objectives
- 1.Route lipid results into appropriate follow-up.
- 2.Recognize which lipid scenarios need provider attention.
- 3.Use the lipid routing tool to support documentation.
Purpose
Lipid results are rarely emergencies but easily dropped. A consistent routing workflow ensures patients get the right follow-up, statin adjustments, and education.
What to review
- •LDL, total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides vs. the patient’s goal/risk.
- •Are they on a statin? Taking it? Any muscle symptoms?
- •ASCVD history (prior MI/stroke/stent) — these patients have stricter LDL goals.
- •Recent statin start/change for follow-up timing.
Routing logic
- •At goal, stable → routine routing per protocol.
- •Above goal or not on therapy → route to provider for therapy decision.
- •Very high triglycerides → flag to provider (pancreatitis risk at extremes).
- •Statin intolerance/muscle symptoms → flag to provider.
Use the tool
The Lipid Routing Tool turns values into an LDL goal, risk category, and copy-ready documentation — use it to keep routing consistent.
What to document & send the provider
- •Values vs. goal, statin status/adherence, ASCVD history, any muscle symptoms, and the routing action.
Patient education script
- •"Your cholesterol is above goal; the provider may adjust your statin — keep taking it meanwhile."
- •"Tell us about new muscle aches on a statin instead of stopping it."
Mini case
A post-MI patient’s LDL returns at 130 and they admit they stopped their statin due to cost.
What now?
Show answer
A post-MI (ASCVD) patient has a strict LDL goal; 130 off-statin is well above it, and the barrier is cost. Route to the provider for therapy decision/options, address the cost barrier, document, and reinforce not stopping. Use the routing tool for the goal/documentation.
Checklist
- Compared values to the patient’s risk-based goal.
- Checked statin status, adherence, and muscle symptoms.
- Flagged off-goal / intolerance / very high triglycerides.
- Documented and routed; used the lipid tool.