AST012 QOF Requirements

AST012 QOF Requirements

📋 AST012 QOF Requirements

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.


🧭 When Will I See This?

This component appears when:

  • The patient has a coded asthma diagnosis

  • There is no objective test (spirometry, PEFR, reversibility) recorded in relation to the diagnosis


📋 AST012 QOF Criteria

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.

See the full definition of the requirements in our support article

📋 What To Record



Field
Purpose
Date of DiagnosisAnchor for evaluating if objective evidence was recorded before/after diagnosis
Spirometry/FVC/FEV1Core lung function test result to support diagnosis
Reversibility TestingOptional field to record if a bronchodilator response was assessed
PEFR VariabilityOption to record home or clinic peak flow monitoring
Objective Test ConsideredConfirms whether testing was arranged or clinically appropriate
Medication HistoryCaptures prescriptions before/after diagnosis (≥3 recommended if no objective test)
Exemption or Not Clinically AppropriateDocument why testing was not done or needed

🧠 Why This Matters

  • Ensures asthma diagnoses are based on objective criteria

  • Aligns your coding with current QOF business rules

  • Prevents misclassification and inappropriate QOF register entries


💬 Suggested Questions to Ask

  • "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.

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