title: Simultaneous testing of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein: increased expenditure without demonstrable benefit.
abstract: We analyzed the practice of paired erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein testing when evaluating fever or inflammation. In our hospital, this resulted in additional charges of $250000-$400000/year without demonstrable added benefit to patient care. Extrapolating our results, we estimate reducing this practice could save up to $300000000 nationally.
authors: Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY. Electronic address: mkainth@health.nyc.gov.
authors: Mundeep Kaur
authors: MK
authors: Kainth
authors: Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY.
authors: Francis
authors: F
authors: Gigliotti
mesh_terms: D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D005334:Fever / Q000097:blood* / Q000191:economics*; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood* / Q000191:economics*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002097:C-Reactive Protein