Understand sedimentation rate (ESR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (sed rate), or Westergren ESR with this comprehensive guide. Learn about elevated sed rate causes, normal sedimentation rate values, and the role of ESR blood test in diagnosing inflammation, infections, autoimmune diseases, and monitoring disease activity. Explore clinical documentation best practices, medical coding guidelines for ESR testing (CPT codes), and the importance of accurate sedimentation rate interpretation in healthcare settings.
Also known as
Abnormal findings of blood chemistry
Includes abnormal blood findings like elevated sedimentation rate.
Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings
Encompasses various symptoms and lab results, including sedimentation rate abnormalities.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
Sedimentation rate can be elevated in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis within this range.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the sedimentation rate elevated?
Yes
Is there an underlying condition?
No
Is the sedimentation rate low?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Sedimentation Rate |
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) |
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) |
Coding error risk: Lack of documentation specifying Westergren or Wintrobe method may lead to claim denial.
Audit risk: ESR ordered without a documented medical necessity raises red flags for potential overutilization.
Compliance risk: Incorrectly billing ESR separately when included in a CBC panel can trigger fraud investigations.
Patient presents today for evaluation of [reason for elevated sedimentation rate; e.g., unexplained fatigue, fever, weight loss, joint pain]. Review of systems reveals [list pertinent positive and negative findings]. Physical exam notable for [relevant physical exam findings; e.g., palpable lymphadenopathy, joint tenderness, limited range of motion]. Given the patient's clinical presentation, an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was ordered to assess for underlying inflammatory processes. The ESR result is [numerical value] mm/hr, which is [elevated/normal/low]. Differential diagnosis for elevated sedimentation rate includes infection, autoimmune disease, malignancy, and other inflammatory conditions. Further investigation is warranted to determine the underlying etiology. Plan includes [diagnostic workup; e.g., complete blood count with differential, comprehensive metabolic panel, C-reactive protein, antinuclear antibody panel, imaging studies] and follow-up to discuss results and formulate a treatment plan based on the identified cause. Medical coding considerations include ICD-10 code [appropriate ICD-10 code based on presenting symptoms and suspected diagnosis]. This elevated sedimentation rate finding is medically necessary for diagnostic purposes and will be used to guide further clinical management. Patient education provided regarding the significance of the ESR test and the need for further evaluation. The patient understands and agrees with the plan.