In fast-paced clinical settings, timely and accurate risk assessment isn’t optional — it’s life-saving. When a patient presents with chest pain or shortness of breath, determining whether they’re at risk for a pulmonary embolism (PE) is critical. The Wells Score helps standardize this process, and with the right digital tool, it becomes even faster and more reliable.
What is the Wells Score?
The Wells Score is a validated clinical prediction rule used to estimate the pre-test probability of PE. Developed by Dr. Philip Wells and colleagues, it assigns point values to common risk factors and clinical signs to stratify patients into low, moderate, or high-risk categories.
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Clinical signs of DVT | 3.0 |
| PE is more likely than alternative diagnoses | 3.0 |
| Heart rate >100 bpm | 1.5 |
| Immobilization or recent surgery | 1.5 |
| Previous DVT or PE | 1.5 |
| Hemoptysis | 1.0 |
| Active cancer | 1.0 |
Interpretation:
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≤1: Low risk
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2–6: Moderate risk
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≥6: High risk
- Many clinicians also use the 2-tier model:
>4 = PE Likely vs ≤4 = PE Unlikely
Why the Wells Score Still Matters
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Efficient Triage
Quickly rule in/out PE in ED and inpatient settings before ordering expensive imaging. -
Standardized Decision Support
Brings objectivity to subjective clinical judgment. -
Reduces Unnecessary Testing
Helps avoid low-yield CT pulmonary angiograms, especially in low-risk cases. -
Teaching and Training
Useful for new clinicians to learn structured risk stratification. -
Audit-Friendly Documentation
Provides a clinical rationale that supports imaging and treatment decisions.
Features of a Smart Wells Score Calculator
A good digital tool should enable clinicians to:
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Tap through criteria with checkboxes
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View score and risk level instantly
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Get suggestions for next steps (D-dimer, CTA)
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Use it on mobile or desktop
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Copy or export results into documentation or EHR
Why Docscrib Is Building One
At DocScrib, we’re focused on making clinical workflows faster and smarter. Our upcoming Wells Score calculator is built to integrate seamlessly with ambient documentation by:
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Capturing the Wells Score from your dictation
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Automatically inserting structured scoring into SOAP notes
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Aligning documentation with clinical decision-making
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Reducing handoffs between providers and billing staff
Final Thoughts
The Wells Score remains a reliable tool for PE assessment — and digitizing it makes it even more powerful. Whether you’re an ED physician, internist, or resident, a smart calculator can enhance accuracy, reduce testing fatigue, and improve care outcomes.
Coming soon from DocScrib.com — a free, embedded Wells Score tool designed for clinicians who need answers fast, without switching tabs or second-guessing.