C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
What it measures
CRP is a protein your liver makes when there is inflammation in the body. A high level tells your doctor that inflammation is present. It does not say where or why.
When it’s ordered
Suspected infection, flare-ups of joint or immune conditions such as arthritis, and follow-up on an illness that is being treated.
Medicare coverage
Medicare judges coverage case by case under its medical-necessity rules. Medicare does not publish a national list of diagnoses for this test. The local Medicare contractor in your state may have its own rules. A version called high-sensitivity CRP is a separate test with a separate Medicare rate.
Typical price
Medicare pays a set rate of $5.18 for this test (2026 fee schedule). When Medicare covers this test, you pay nothing. A lab can bill far more if you pay on your own or if Medicare denies the claim, so ask for the price first.
One thing to watch
Make sure the order says which CRP test your doctor wants, and why.
Look up the current Medicare allowable for C-Reactive Protein (CRP) →
Rates and coverage rules shown apply to Original Medicare (Fee-for-Service) only. Medicare Advantage plans may differ. See our data sources →