DESCRIPTION
Rhinomanometry measures air pressure and the rate of airflow in the nasal airway during respiration. These measurements are then used to calculate nasal airway resistance. Rhinomanometry is intended to be an objective quantification of nasal airway patency.
Acoustic rhinometry is a technique used to assess the geometry of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx and for evaluating nasal obstruction. The technique is based on an analysis of sound waves reflected from the nasal cavities.
Both techniques are proposed for use in comparing decongestive action of antihistamines and corticosteroids. These techniques are also proposed for assessment of an individual prior to or following nasal surgery. Testing is generally done in an outpatient setting.
POLICY
Rhinomanometry and/or acoustic rhinometry for the diagnosis of all nasal conditions is considered investigational.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Any specific products referenced in this policy are just examples and are intended for illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to be a recommendation of one product over another, and is not intended to represent a complete listing of all products available. These examples are contained in the parenthetical e.g. statement.
We develop Medical Policies to provide guidance to Members and Providers. This Medical Policy relates only to the services or supplies described in it. The existence of a Medical Policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits or a contract for the service (or supply) that is referenced in the Medical Policy. For a determination of the benefits that a Member is entitled to receive under his or her health plan, the Member's health plan must be reviewed. If there is a conflict between the medical policy and a health plan or government program (e.g., TennCare), the express terms of the health plan or government program will govern.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Published scientific evidence in the form of well-designed studies in peer review journals is lacking regarding the utilization of rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry in clinical management. There is no evidence that these techniques are more clinically relevant or accurate compared to self-assessment and self-reporting.
SOURCES
American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. (2015.) Clinical practice guideline: allergic rhinitis. Retrieved January 11, 2020 from www.entnet.org/content.
Bhatia, D., Palesy, T., Ramli, R., Barham, H., Christensen, J., Gunaratne, D., et al. (2016). Two-dimensional assessment of the nasal valve area cannot predict minimum cross-sectional area or airflow resistance. American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy, 30 (3), 190-194. Abstract retrieved July 3, 2016 from PubMed database.
De Melo, A.C., Gomes, A., & Silva, H.J. (2015). Acoustic rhinometry in mouth breathing patients: a systematic review. Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, 81 (2), 212–218. Abstract retrieved March 19, 2020 from PubMed database.
Hong Ta, N., Gao, J., & Philpott, C. (2021). A systematic review to examine the relationship between objective and patient-reported outcome measures in sinonasal disorders: recommendations for use in research and clinical practice. International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, doi: 10.1002/alr.22744. Abstract retrieved January 11, 2021 from PubMed database.
Hsu, Y. B., Liu, S. Y., Lan, M. Y., Huang, Y. C., Tzeng, I. S., & Lan, M. C. (2020). Role of rhinomanometry in the prediction of therapeutic positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea. Respiratory Research, 21 (1), 115. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-020-01382-4. (Level 4 evidence)
Tekin, K., Kara, M., Güҫlü, O., Erdoğan, H., & Dereköy, F. (2016). Prognostic value of acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry in tympanoplasty surgery. The Journal of International Advanced Otology, 12 (1), 32-36. (Level 4 evidence)
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2002, October). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K022311. Retrieved November 9, 2011 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov.
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2010, April). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K092611. Retrieved November 10, 2011 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov.
Wandalsen, G., Mendes, A., Matsumoto, F., & Solè, D. (2016). Acoustic rhinometry in nasal provocation tests in children and adolescents. Journal of Investigational Allergology & Clinical Immunology, 26 (3), 156-160. Abstract retrieved August 3, 2016 from PubMed database.
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 8/1985
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 6/13/2024
ID_BT
Policies included in the Medical Policy Manual are not intended to certify coverage availability. They are medical determinations about a particular technology, service, drug, etc. While a policy or technology may be medically necessary, it could be excluded in a member's benefit plan. Please check with the appropriate claims department to determine if the service in question is a covered service under a particular benefit plan. Use of the Medical Policy Manual is not intended to replace independent medical judgment for treatment of individuals. The content on this Web site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
This document has been classified as public information.