CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield: Exhaled Nitric Oxide Medically Necessary

In a previous blog we discussed the current evidence for the use of exhaled nitric oxide. Now the largest health care insurer in the Mid-Atlantic has adopted a policy stating that measurement of exhaled nitric oxide is considered medically necessary in the management of asthma patients.

In its policy update, CareFirst refers to research demonstrating that exhaled nitric oxide measurement can be used to both predict and avoid relapsing of your asthma. Additionally, exhaled nitric oxide can be used to monitor medication compliance and may help in identifying possible environmental trigger.

The policy change will now allow measurement of exhaled nitric oxide as part of your doctor's plan for your asthma.