Exhaled Nitric Oxide Measurement for Treatment of Asthma

Description

Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the respiratory tract, with periodic airway obstruction and symptoms of wheezing, coughing, and dyspnea. The chronic inflammatory process can lead to degenerative changes in the respiratory tissues and impaired pulmonary function. Exhaled gaseous nitric oxide (NO), which is normally produced in the airway mucosa, is known to be elevated in asthmatic patients, and is even higher during acute exacerbations than during remissions. The measurement of exhaled NO has therefore been proposed as a surrogate marker of airway inflammation for purposes of evaluating a patient's response to medications and perhaps reduce dosages of inhaled corticosteroids.

Policy

Measurement of exhaled nitric oxide is considered medically necessary in the management of asthma patients.

Measurement of exhaled nitric oxide is considered experimental / investigational for all other conditions as it does not meet TEC criteria # 2-5.

Source: http://notesnet.carefirst.com/ecommerce/medicalpolicy.nsf/vwwebtablex/a11ca33d60150817852575f9004710ab?OpenDocument#_Section2