Diabetes: C Reactive Protein

There are two CRP tests, 1st the original CRP is a generic marker for inflammation, very non specific and inexpensive but of little help in diagnosing anything other than non specific joint pain. The other "newer" verision is a High Sensitivity cold reactive protein (HS-CRP) that is now commonly ordered in cardiology practices and most insurances do cover it in appropriate circumstances but there are some limiting criteria for coverage to apply and those may vary with your carrier. The HS-CRP cannot be used as a diagnostic tool in and of itself (sorta like a HgbA1c cannot be used to diagnose diabetes) it is used as an indicator for a practioner to use to help identify patients that may be at a higher risk so they can be appropriately followed up.