Aerin Medical Announces Advances for Chronic Rhinitis Treatment

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has assigned payment for a new Category I Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for endoscopic destruction of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) using radiofrequency ablation. The new code describes the procedure performed by ENT physicians when treating overactive nerves that drive chronic rhinitis symptoms with Aerin Medical Inc.’s RhinAer. The code became effective Jan. 1.
 
RhinAer disrupts the PNN and treats anatomic contributors to congestion including the inferior turbinate and septal swell bodies. RhinAer is supported by a strong body of clinical evidence demonstrating significant, durable symptom improvement for chronic rhinitis patients. Treatment with RhinAer is non-invasive and can be performed by ENT physicians in the office and outpatient surgical settings.
 
“Many chronic rhinitis patients aren’t optimally managed medically, and they can be stuck in a cycle of ineffective care,” said Elina Toskala, M.D., Ph.D., professor, Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. “Obtaining this CPT code is a significant milestone for our community of physicians who utilize radiofrequency ablation to provide patients lasting relief and address symptoms associated with chronic runny nose, post-nasal drip and congestion.”
 
The American Medical Association (AMA) introduced CPT 31242 to describe the procedure for the destruction of the PNN using radiofrequency ablation, including RhinAer. This code was officially implemented and assigned a national payment rate in CMS’ Calendar Year (CY) 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, as well as its CY 2024 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System Final Rule.
 
“RhinAer is the only radiofrequency technology with confirmed multi-year durability for allergic and non-allergic chronic rhinitis patients, with a strong body of clinical evidence that supported the Category I CPT code application,” Aerin Medical CEO Matt Brokaw stated. “We are proud to be introducing a second Category I CPT code in consecutive years and appreciate the partnership of clinical investigators and specialty society leadership in this effort.”
 
To support providers and patients in accessing needed solutions, Aerin has invested in a full suite of reimbursement services. These include the Aerin Reimbursement Center—a benefits verification and appeals support service—and a nationwide, dedicated market access team delivering education and consultation on billing, coding and the resources needed for providers and patients to have optimal access to care.
 
Using temperature-controlled, radiofrequency technology, RhinAer features a thin, wand-like stylus that is inserted via the nostril to deliver precise therapeutic benefits, while sparing surrounding tissues. RhinAer directly disrupts the posterior nasal nerve that triggers excessive mucus production, treating an underlying cause of chronic rhinitis. RhinAer provides ENT physicians with a solution for treating chronic rhinitis, addressing sources of rhinorrhea (runny nose) and congestion. The procedure can be performed with a local anesthetic during an office visit, with no incisions, minimal to no downtime, and little discomfort. RhinAer received U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance in December 2019 and CE Mark in 2020. 
 
Aerin Medical is a privately held, venture-backed company, with U.S. offices in California and Texas. Aerin’s mission is to provide ENT physicians with non-invasive solutions for treating chronic nasal conditions. The company’s products, VivAer for nasal airway obstruction and RhinAer for chronic rhinitis, leverage Aerin’s proprietary temperature-controlled technology, which allows ENT physicians to reliably improve patients’ symptoms with in-office procedures performed under local anesthesia. More than 100,000 patients have been treated with Aerin Medical products to date.