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Preston Cranford

Importance of FENO Testing in Your Pharmacy

Updated: Feb 23

FENO measurement testing, also known as Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide testing, is a non-invasive procedure used to measure the levels of nitric oxide in a person's breath. This test is often used to diagnose and monitor patients with asthma, as elevated nitric oxide levels in the breath can be a sign of airway inflammation. Asthma is another common disease that clinical pharmacists can help alleviate. Offering this testing in pharmacies has several benefits including improved access to care, better patient outcomes, and less strain on the healthcare system overall.


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 25 million people in the United States have asthma. Of those, about 10% have severe asthma that is difficult to control. As we all know, having asthma has become significantly more life threatening due to the way Covid-19 impacts those with the condition. The significance of FENO testing isn’t to be overlooked.


FENO testing can help identify patients with difficult-to-control asthma, as well as those who are at risk of developing asthma. By offering FENO testing in your pharmacy, patients have access to a quick and accurate diagnosis, which can lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes.


According to a study published in the Journal of Asthma, patients who received FENO testing had fewer emergency room visits and hospitalizations–which resulted in lower healthcare costs. It is clear that FENO testing is both beneficial for asthmatics and the healthcare system overall. It is clear that pharmacists are well-suited to offer this service. The next question is, how can the implementation of this clinical service help your business as opposed to adding another service that pharmacists don't get paid for? The answer–reimbursing pharmacists for the services they provide.


  • Pharmacies can bill CPT code 95012 for the FENO measurement, as well as bill E&M codes (based on the time they spend with the patient)

  • Medicare is reimbursing 95012 $19.38 and commercial plans over $20+ each - as well as the additional $23.07-75.32 for the E&M attachment (99211-99213)


Of course, the catch is that you must be in-network with medical payers to receive these reimbursements. This applies to both your commercial patients and your medicare advantage patients. Provider helps clinical pharmacists gain in-network status with these payers to ensure reimbursements for these clinical services.


With increased awareness of asthma in the United States, making FENO testing more widely available could have a significant impact on your community while also generating additional income for your pharmacy. Again and again, we see that clinical pharmacists are the key to expanding healthcare access and lowering the cost of healthcare in the United States. Again and again we see barriers preventing pharmacists from operating at the top of their license and for the benefit of their patients. Let’s change that.


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