Facts for Warken: FeNO measurement can save up to 300 million euros annually
The measurement of nitric oxide in exhaled air (FeNO) could significantly improve the care of around five million asthma patients in Germany and at the same time save considerable costs. This is the conclusion reached by the German Society for Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine (DGP), the Federal Association of Pneumology (BdP), the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI) and the Medical Association of German Allergologists (AeDA) in a joint position paper.
Together with the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), the professional societies have submitted an application for a method evaluation procedure to the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA). The aim is to include FeNO measurement in the standard care of statutory health insurance.
FeNO serves as a biomarker for the diagnosis and control of asthma therapy. The examination enables a more precise assessment of the airway inflammation and a needs-based adjustment of medication. According to the position paper, FeNO-controlled management reduces the rate of acute disease flare-ups by up to 40 percent. International health economic analyses also show significant savings potential through fewer hospital stays and the avoidance of overtreatment.
In Germany, FeNO measurement has so far been predominantly an individual health service (IGeL), which patients have to pay for themselves. This leads to far too little use, although national and international guidelines recommend the investigation.
The professional societies demand that guideline-compliant asthma care should not depend on the patient’s wallet. If included in the catalogue of benefits of the statutory health insurance companies, they expect annual net savings of at least 300 million euros.
The position paper was published in the journal Pneumology . The G-BA will now decide on the application.
Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR
Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability ected.
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