This section supports accurate recording for the AST012 Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) indicator, which determines whether a patient should be included on the asthma register.
It includes all relevant diagnostic fields, prompts for objective evidence, and alerts if a patient may not meet QOF inclusion criteria.
This component appears when:
The patient has a coded asthma diagnosis
There is no objective test (full blood count, FeNO, reversibility, PEFR variability, bronchial challenge test, skin prick test*, IgE level*) recorded in relation to the diagnosis
* Under 16s only.
To meet the indicator, a patient:
Must be ≥6 years old
Must have a coded diagnosis of asthma on or after 1 April 2025
Must have had either:
Objective diagnostic testing (different depending on age)
⚠️ Patients added to the register without appropriate testing or medication prescribing will not count toward AST012 achievement.
Field | Purpose |
| Date of Diagnosis | Anchor for evaluating if objective evidence was recorded before/after diagnosis |
| Spirometry/FVC/FEV1 | Core lung function test result to support diagnosis |
| Reversibility Testing | Optional field to record if a bronchodilator response was assessed |
| PEFR Variability | Option to record home or clinic peak flow monitoring |
| Objective Test Considered | Confirms whether testing was arranged or clinically appropriate |
| Medication History | Captures prescriptions before/after diagnosis (≥3 recommended if no objective test) |
| Exemption or Not Clinically Appropriate | Document why testing was not done or needed |
Ensures asthma diagnoses are based on objective criteria
Aligns your coding with current QOF business rules
Prevents misclassification and inappropriate QOF register entries
"Have you ever had breathing tests like spirometry or peak flow readings?"
"Was your asthma diagnosed with a test, or just based on symptoms?"
"Would it be helpful to arrange lung function testing now?"
This component ensures you have the right information to determine if a patient should remain on the asthma QOF register and helps safeguard the accuracy of your performance reporting.