Understand C-Reactive Protein (CRP) screening, including hs-CRP, and its role in healthcare. Learn about CRP test interpretation, clinical documentation best practices, and medical coding for accurate billing. Find information on elevated CRP levels, normal ranges, and the significance of CRP in diagnosing inflammation and guiding treatment decisions.
Also known as
Abnormal findings of CRP
Elevated or abnormal C-reactive protein levels.
Other specified abnormal findings
May be used for CRP screening if no other code fits.
Encounter for other preprocedural exam
Use if CRP is part of pre-op or general health check.
Encounter for screening for oth disord
For general health screening including CRP testing.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is CRP screening for risk assessment?
Yes
Is it for cardiac risk?
No
Is it for monitoring inflammation?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Measures C-reactive protein levels to detect inflammation. |
| Measures erythrocyte sedimentation rate to detect inflammation. |
| Measures procalcitonin levels to assess risk of severe bacterial infections. |
Non-specific marker, coding requires clear documentation linking CRP elevation to a diagnosed condition to avoid misinterpretation as a standalone diagnosis.
Incorrect coding between high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) and standard CRP tests. Distinct codes exist and must align with the ordered/performed test.
Insufficient documentation supporting medical necessity for CRP screening. Clear indication for the test must be present in the patient record for compliance.
Q: What are the most clinically significant high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level interpretations for cardiovascular risk stratification in asymptomatic patients?
A: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels are a valuable marker for assessing cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic patients. Clinically significant interpretations are generally categorized as follows: low risk (<1.0 mg/L), average risk (1.0-3.0 mg/L), and high risk (>3.0 mg/L). However, it's crucial to remember that hs-CRP is just one piece of the puzzle. Clinical interpretation should always consider the patient's overall risk profile, including traditional risk factors like age, smoking status, family history, lipid levels, and blood pressure. For example, a patient with an hs-CRP of 2.5 mg/L and multiple other risk factors may be considered at higher risk than a patient with the same hs-CRP but no other risk factors. Explore how incorporating hs-CRP into a comprehensive risk assessment can enhance patient management strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention. Consider implementing risk calculators that integrate hs-CRP values to provide personalized risk estimates.
Q: When should I order a C-reactive protein (CRP) test vs. an hs-CRP test, and how do the results inform treatment decisions for suspected infection or inflammation?
A: A standard CRP test is generally used to detect and monitor significant inflammation, such as in acute infections or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. It's less sensitive than an hs-CRP test and may not be useful for subtle inflammatory changes. The hs-CRP test, on the other hand, is designed to measure lower levels of CRP and is primarily used for cardiovascular risk assessment. When an infection is suspected, a standard CRP test can help confirm the presence of inflammation and monitor treatment response. Significantly elevated CRP levels may suggest a bacterial infection or a severe inflammatory response. For chronic inflammatory conditions, serial CRP measurements can help track disease activity and response to therapy. Learn more about the specific CRP and hs-CRP reference ranges used in your laboratory setting, as they may vary slightly. Consider implementing guidelines for interpreting CRP levels in different clinical scenarios to ensure appropriate clinical decision-making.
Patient presents for C-reactive protein (CRP) screening, also known as a CRP test or hs-CRP screening, to assess for systemic inflammation. The indication for this laboratory test includes evaluation for infection, inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular risk stratification. The patient's medical history, family history, and current symptoms were reviewed and documented. Relevant findings include (list pertinent positives and negatives such as fever, fatigue, joint pain, recent infection, family history of heart disease, etc.). Based on the clinical presentation and risk factors, CRP screening was ordered to aid in diagnosis and management. Pretest probability for elevated CRP was assessed. Results of the CRP test will be reviewed upon receipt and will be used in conjunction with other clinical findings to guide further diagnostic testing and treatment planning, if necessary. Patient education was provided regarding the purpose of CRP screening, the interpretation of results, and potential implications for their overall health. Follow-up plan and instructions were discussed and documented. Appropriate CPT and ICD-10 codes will be applied for medical billing and coding purposes.