Opinion
Video
Integration of Lp(a)Testing Across Health Care Organizations
Experts discuss strategies for integrating Lp(a) testing into clinical practice across organizations, leveraging new therapies, education, and quality measures for improved patient care.
This is a video synopsis/summary of an Insights involving Michael D. Shapiro, DO, and Jaime Murillo, MD.
Shapiro highlights the need for a coordinated approach between primary care and cardiology to leverage emerging lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a])-lowering therapies. He emphasizes universal screening in primary care to identify individuals with high Lp(a), who can then be referred to cardiology for consideration of novel treatments. Shapiro advocates for streamlined electronic health record systems and integrated health care networks to facilitate this collaborative approach. Health care systems are encouraged to invest in the necessary infrastructure for coordinated Lp(a) testing, stratification, referral, and treatment.
Murillo outlines 6 ways to effectively incorporate Lp(a) testing into clinical practice. He emphasizes guideline adherence, clinician education, community empowerment, and proactive business environments conducive to prevention. Murillo underscores the importance of partnerships with communities, advocacy groups, and health care systems to address individuals’ needs before adverse events occur.
Discussing the potential implications of making Lp(a) testing a key quality measure, Murillo emphasizes the proactive approach to prevention. Identifying individuals at risk allows for early intervention with lifestyle changes and emerging therapies. He stresses the importance of Lp(a) testing as a quality measure to address gaps in nontraditional risk factors, emphasizing prevention over reactive measures in health care.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMC® editorial staff.
