J Korean Med Sci.  2024 Nov;39(44):e319. 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e319.

Current Status of Co-Ordering of C-Reactive Protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Testing in Korea

• Koo Se
• Kim J
• Hong J
• Park K

• KMID: 2561467
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e319

Abstract

We retrospectively examined current trends in ordering for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) testing. All claims corresponding to ESR and CRP testing for hospital visits in 2022 were obtained from a platform operated by the Health Insurance and Review Agency. The annual (2018–2022) utilization and cost of ESR and CRP, total inpatient days, and patient encounters with outpatients were retrieved. The number of ESR and CRP tests gradually increased over 5 years, except a slight decrease in 2020. The proportion of claims with co-ordering of ESR and CRP tests was 46.64%. More than 60% co-ordering claims were observed in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and plastic surgery departments. The proportion of co-orders was relatively high in inpatient setting and primary hospitals. This study indicated frequent co-ordering patterns of ESR and CRP tests, highlighting an urgent need for diagnostic stewardship programs on ESR and CRP testing in Korea.

Keyword

Co-ordering; Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate; C-Reactive Protein; Choosing Wisely; Laboratory Stewardship

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Yearly distribution of number of patients (A, outpatient; B, inpatient) and testing (C, outpatient; D, inpatient) for CRP and ESR.CRP = C-reactive protein, ESR = erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

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  Fig. 2 Association between departments and co-ordering of CRP and ESR testing in terms of the number (A, outpatient; B, inpatient) and proportion (C, outpatient; D, inpatient) of claims. The order of departments was determined according to the number of claims with co-ordering of CRP and ESR testing.CRP = C-reactive protein, ESR = erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

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  Fig. 3 Association of hospital types and co-ordering of CRP and ESR testing in terms of the number (A, outpatient; B, inpatient) and proportion (C, outpatient; D, inpatient) of claims. The order of hospital types was determined according to the number of claims.CRP = C-reactive protein, ESR = erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

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