Cardiovascular Disease

If the patient has preexisting cardiovascular disease, we need to document at least one example. See the right hand list for example of cardiovascular disease.

What to Send

• What type of cardiovascular disease the patient has.

Examples

• Acute Coronary Syndromes
• Angina
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Myocardial Infarction
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Revascularization procedure (e.g. coronary bypass graft) 
• Stroke
• Transient Ischemic Attack

Familial Hypercholesterolemia

For FH patient use the MEDPED criteria to qualify the patient's diagnosis. (This is based on total cholesterol, not LDL)

What to Send

• Starting Total Cholesterol (not LDL)
• Closest relative who also has FH (e.g. first degree, second degree, etc.)

MEDPED Criteria

LDL Lab

Documentation of the patients starting and post treatment LDL (if applicable).

What to Send

• Most recent LDL lab.
• Starting LDL lab or approximation of what the starting LDL was (if for continuation).

Tips

• For new patients insurance generally will want the lab taken within 30-90 days of the request.
• For renewals generally with 6-12 months is acceptable.

On Statin

We need to know what statin they are currently taking and if it is the maximum dose they can tolerate. 

What to Send

• Statin currently being taken
• If not on a "high intensity statin" is this the maximum dose they can take?

Not On Statin

If not on a statin, we need a specific reason why they are not taking one.

Examples include persistent muscle pains (myalgias) or a contraindication (e.g. liver disease).  

What to Send

• What statins have been tried in the past.
• Any contraindication or reason they are not using the statin.
• If for myalgias, statement the lowest dose was tried (if applicable).