National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines establish target levels for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) based on risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). Achieving these goals in clinical practice is challenging, but has been shown to significantly reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to measure improvements in cholesterol control through implementation of national guidelines, utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach to hyperlipidemia disease management. METHODS: A pre-/post- design was used to analyze the effectiveness of a pharmacist-run hyperlipidemia disease management clinic in a staff-model medical group, enrolling both managed care and fee-for-service patients (n=203) with LDL levels exceeding NCEP goals. Patients were identified from administrative data and primary care physician (PCP) referral. LDL goals were established in accordance with NCEP guidelines. Patients were divided into primary and secondary CHD prevention groups. Evidence-based treatment guidelines were used to direct care, with dietician and PCP consults at the pharmacists’ discretion. RESULTS: By intention-to-treat analysis both primary and secondary prevention groups had statistically significant improvements in total cholesterol (-28mg/dL and –33mg/dL, respectively, p<0.01), LDL (-26mg/dL and –31mg/dL, respectively, p<0.01), triglycerides (-22mg/dL and -47mg/dL, respectively, p<0.01) and high density lipoprotein (+3.3mg/dL and +4.2mg/dL, respectively, p<0.01). Fifty-one percent of patients reached their NCEP defined LDL goal. There was no significant difference in percentage of patients achieving goal LDL levels among the different treatment groups. Medication costs increased for the secondary prevention group (+$9.32, p=0.01), decreased slightly for the primary prevention group (-$0.66, p=NS). CONCLUSIONS: A multi-disciplinary approach to hyperlipidemia disease management can provide significant improvements in cholesterol control.