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Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)


 

Familial Hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition that causes high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.

FH is caused by a mutation in a gene that controls the way cholesterol leaves the body.

If left untreated, FH can lead to early heart attacks, stroke, and heart disease.

One in 250 people may have Familial Hypercholesterolemia, yet 90% of FH cases go undiagnosed.

What Can This Test Tell Me?

This testing may reveal that you have FH.

This test is best ordered under a physician and genetic counselor’s guidance, as the results may indicate lifelong drug therapies and testing of additional family members.

Since FH is commonly missed, it is critical to get ahead of damage that untreated disease may cause.

How to Get Tested:

Bill Insurance

Step 1: Your physician orders a test based on medical necessity, and your cheek swab is collected.

Step 2: Our billing team verifies coverage and begins testing if approved. If coverage is denied, we contact you to discuss options.

Step 3: Within 2-3 weeks, testing is completed, reviewed by our clinical team, and a report is electronically sent back to your doctor.

Step 4: Your doctor reviews the report with you, and you may discuss results with a genetic counselor!

Cost and Coverage:

Billing through insurance: a doctor's order with medical necessity for testing is required to bill insurance. Our in-house billing team is happy to answer your questions!

LVG does not accept direct payment for this test.

 

Who Should Have FH Testing?

Individuals with a family history of FH, personal history of persistently high cholesterol levels, of personal history of early heart attack are best candidates for testing. 

 

Genes Tested:

APOB, LDLR, LDLRAP1, and PCSK9

 

Location

Lehigh Valley Genomics
2550 Brodhead Road, Suite 202
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Phone: 267-296-1325
Fax: 484-895-3719

Office Hours

Get in touch

267-296-1325