CPT® Code 95012

The CPT® Code 95012 refers to the procedure known as nitric oxide expired gas determination. This test is designed to measure the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) that is expelled from the lungs during exhalation. Elevated levels of expired nitric oxide are commonly observed in patients suffering from asthma, indicating a potential increase in airway inflammation. The measurement of expired nitric oxide serves as a noninvasive approach to evaluate the severity of an acute asthma exacerbation within a clinical environment. During the procedure, the patient exhales into a specialized NO-impermeable Mylar balloon using a mouthpiece, and the collected expirate is subsequently analyzed with a chemiluminescence device. This method not only aids in the assessment of asthma severity but also provides insights into the effectiveness of treatment, as glucocorticoid therapy has been shown to reduce expired nitric oxide levels in asthmatic patients experiencing acute exacerbations, as well as in those with stable asthma conditions.