Don't know what happens in the states re blood tests, but here in the UK we'd have to request a cholesterol test from a doc or go private. So yes, I'd guess you'd need to request a full cholsesterol test. Just getting the total is no good. You need a full breakdown.

Luckily for me, my cholesterol is good for my age, so I guess I have a bit of leeway for the last couple of decades of my life

But as I said, who knows, I might just be made like that rather than it being a result of healthy lifestyle. But I look around me at people my age and there aren't many who work out, eat healthily, don't smoke or drink and keep their weight under control. I think I look a lot better and feel a lot healthier and mobile than they are.