Robert S. Zeiger, MD, PhD

Significant clinically meaningful improvements in asthma impairment are documented by administrative data for 1 year after initiation of step-up care in patients with uncontrolled asthma.

HEDIS-defined persistent asthma is generally consistent with survey-defined persistent asthma over a 3-year period.

Fewer short-acting agonist canisters dispensed (but not dispensing of any controller) and higher ratio of controller to total medication are associated with reduced asthma exacerbations.

Asthma-specific quality of life and a history of acute episodes can be used together to identify risks of subsequent acute exacerbations.