RhinAer® Procedure

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What is the RhinAer® procedure?

If you are one of millions of people with chronic rhinitis, you may have an annoying runny that can be irritating and embarrassing. This clear runny nose is called rhinorrhea. In addition to allergies, rhinorrhea is caused by a nerve in the back of your nose, the posterior nasal nerve. Coming from the the vidian nerve, the posterior nasal nerve can creating a clear runny drainage from the nose. The RhinAer® procedure is a minimally invasive procedure using low-temperature, radiofrequency (RF) energy to less the activity of the posterior nasal nerves, leading to decreased runny nose.


How is the RhinAer® procedure performed?

The RhinAer® procedure utilizes low-level radiofrequency energy on the surface of the lining overlying the nerves that contribute to a runny nose. Your surgery uses an endoscope (a small camera) to locate the precise area of the nerve and applies the device to this mucosa. The procedure can be performed in the office using topical anesthetic to limit discomfort.


Is the RhinAer® procedure painful? The procedure can be performed awake in the office using topical anesthesia to limit any pain. You may have some discomfort, but moisturization to the area is helpful to promote surgical healing.


Your doctor will go over expectations for the procedure and give you postoperative instructions. Clinical trials have shown improvement in chronic rhinitis symptoms. 


Who performs RhinAer® procedure in Louisville, KY?

RhinAer® procedure in Louisville KY is performed by otolaryngologists like Dr. Thomas S. Higgins, MD, MSPH, who has locations in Louisville, KY and Jeffersonville, IN at Kentuckiana ENT, a Division

of ENT Care Centers. If you want to see a rhinologist and specialized sinus surgeon, that provides the care you can trust, request an appointment with us.

  • What is the RhinAer Procedure?

    The RhinAer procedure is a non-invasive treatment for chronic rhinitis that is performed in a doctor’s office. It provides relief from symptoms like a runny nose and congestion by using low-temperature radiofrequency energy to target and calm overactive nerves, reducing mucus production. It also helps to shrink inflamed soft tissue to relieve congestion. The treatment involves the application of local anesthesia for a virtually painless experience, followed by the insertion of the RhinAer wand into the nostril to perform the procedure. After completion, patients can resume their normal activities with minimal disruption.

  • What is the CPT code for RhinAer Posterior Nasal Nerve Ablation?

    The CPT code for posterior nasal nerve ablation using the RhinAer Stylus is 31242. This code will go into effect on January 1, 2024.

  • Will my insurance cover RhinAer?

    The insurance coverage of RhinAer or any other medical procedures largely depends on your specific insurance plan. Insurance companies have different policies and it's important to check with your provider directly to understand what is covered under your plan. Here are some steps you can take:


    Contact your insurance company: The best way to know for sure is by contacting your insurance company directly. They will be able to provide the most accurate information based on the specifics of your plan.


    Ask your doctor: Your healthcare provider may also be able to provide information about insurance coverage for this procedure. They may have experience with other patients who have had the same procedure and their associated insurance claims.


    Read your policy: If you have a copy of your policy, it should outline what types of procedures are covered. If RhinAer is not explicitly mentioned, it could still be covered under a more general category.


    Even if the procedure is covered, you may still be responsible for a portion of the cost, such as a deductible or co-pay. So, it's important to get as much information as possible from your insurance provider beforehand.

  • Does Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield cover RhinAer?

    Coverage for the RhinAer procedure can vary depending on your specific insurance plan with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Some plans may cover the procedure, while others may not. It's important to contact Anthem directly, or check your policy details online, to confirm whether this procedure is covered. Our office may also be able to assist you in this process, as they often have experience working with various insurance providers. Remember, it's always best to get confirmation of coverage before scheduling any procedure to avoid unexpected costs.

  • How much does a RhinAer procedure cost?

    The cost of a RhinAer procedure can vary based on several factors including your geographic location, the specific fees of your ENT specialist, and whether or not it's covered by your insurance. On average, you might expect the costs to be in the range of $2,500 to $3,500. It's important to note that this is a general estimate and actual costs may be higher or lower. Our office can provide a more accurate estimate based on your unique circumstances. Always ask your insurance provider as well to understand what portion of the costs will be covered by your plan.

  • How long does RhinAer last?

    RhinAer has been shown to provide long-lasting results in improving runny nose due to chronic rhinitis. The procedure uses radiofrequency energy to ablate the posterior nasal nerve, which is responsible for causing rhinorrhea. As with any medical procedure, individual results can vary and depend on various factors. It's always best to have a detailed conversation with your ENT specialist about what you can expect from the VivAer procedure.

  • What does RhinAer mean?

    RhinAer is a procedure that treats chronic rhinitis by using temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy to disrupt nerve signals that cause chronic rhinitis symptoms such as a runny nose, postnasal drip, nasal congestion, and sneezing. It is a minimally invasive treatment that can be performed in an outpatient setting. The term "RhinAer" doesn't have a specific meaning in a dictionary sense. It is a brand name for a specific medical procedure used to treat runny nose. The name "RhinAer" is likely derived from a combination of the Latin words "rhinos" which means "nose" and "aer" meaning "air," symbolizing the improved quality of life the procedure aims to provide for those suffering from rhinorrhea.

  • Who performs RhinAer procedure near me in Kentucky or Indiana?

    To find a doctor who performs RhinAer posterior nasal nerve ablation for runny nose in Kentucky or Indiana, you can:

    • Use online healthcare provider directories, which often allow you to filter by specialty and location.
    • Contact local ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) clinics to inquire if they offer this procedure.
    • Reach out to your primary care physician or insurance provider for recommendations.

    One provider in the area who performs these procedures is Dr. Thomas Higgins, MD, MSPH, MBA. He practices in both Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana. Reach out to us and make an appointment for an evaluation of your rhinorrhea (runny nose). We are happy to explain the procedure and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.