How Much Does Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Test) Cost?
Also known as: Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) (CPT 80061)
A lipid panel blood test measuring your cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol, HDL (good), LDL (bad), and triglycerides.
Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Test) (CPT 80061) costs $13 at Medicare rates.
The rates shown below represent the complete Medicare reimbursement for this service. No separate facility fee applies for this type of procedure.
Patient Guide: Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Test)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
A blood sample is drawn from your arm. Results show your cholesterol breakdown and heart disease risk factors.
How Long Does It Take?
5-10 minutes for the blood draw
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Heart disease risk assessment, cholesterol screening, monitoring cholesterol medication, annual wellness check
How to Prepare
Fast for 9-12 hours before (no food, water is OK). Some labs now allow non-fasting lipid panels. Check with your doctor.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides)
How to Reduce Your Cost for Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides)
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
People Also Ask
Common questions people search for about this procedure
Can I get my cholesterol tested at CVS?
Your MinuteClinic provider can perform a lipid test. These providers are trained to check your cholesterol levels and analyze the results. They will review your medical history and lifestyle. Following the screening, your provider can discuss the results with you and determine next steps.
How much does Walgreens charge for a cholesterol test?
What are 10 warning signs of high cholesterol?
Can I get my cholesterol checked without a doctor?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) is $13. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides)?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Blood test, lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.