(1) Long C., Finlay A. The fingertip unit… a new practical measure. Clin Exp Dermatol1991;16:444-7. Disclaimer: PAAS National® does not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information in this chart. PAAS National® is not responsible for typographical errors or changes implemented by the manufacturers. We used the best information available at the time the chart was created. Please refer to the package insert or PBM materials for the most up to date information.

© 2018 PAAS National® Version 1.0

What is the fingertip unit (FTU) method?

• The FTU method is a useful measurement to help accurately bill for topical medications when the directions for use are ambiguous.

• One FTU is measured as the amount of medication that covers from the tip of an adult finger to the first crease. One FTU ≈ 0.5 grams = sufficient to cover both sides of an adult hand.

• There are various estimates for body surface area and the number of FTUs required. See chart (below) created from the original study that developed the FTU.¹

The following is a sample prescription and stepwise approach to calculate days’ supply.

Triamcinolone 0.1% cream 80 gm, apply to the affected area twice daily 1. Find out from patient or prescriber what area they are applying to and document a clinical note¥ on the

prescription. Ex: Joan confirmed AA = front of chest & abdomen, JO, 8/12/16 ¥Clinical note should consist of whom you spoke with, what was verified, your initials and date *Good – obtain affected area(s) of application from patient or MD – FTU method may be used **Better – obtain area(s) of application & estimate from MD of how many consecutive days’ quantity will last

***Best – grams per application or maximum grams per day 2. Convert FTU into grams per application – 7 FTU x 0.5 gm = 3.5 gm per application 3. Determine total daily dose in grams – 3.5 gm x 2 applications = 7 gm daily 4. Calculate day supply based on prescribed quantity – 80 GM/7 GM = 11 DS

If calculated days’ supply is over plan limit, reduce to smaller package size if available (see Can You Bill It As 30 Days?) Warning: Be cautious with days’ supply included on escripts; may not be accurate – need to do the math.

Treatment Area # of FTUs QD BID TID Treatment Area # of

FTUs QD BID TID

# of grams per day # of grams per day Scalp 3 1.5 3 4.5 Buttocks 4 2 4 6 Face & Neck 2.5 1.25 2.5 3.75 Knees 1 0.5 1 1.5 1 Hand-front/back/fingers 1 0.5 1 1.5 Trunk anterior + posterior 8 each/16 4/8 8/16 12/24 1 Entire arm & hand 4 2 4 6 Genitalia 1 0.5 1 1.5 Elbows 1 0.5 1 1.5 Back and Buttocks 7 3.5 7 10.5 1 Foot–top/sole/toes 1.5 0.75 1.5 2.25 Front of chest + abdomen 7 3.5 7 10.5 1 entire leg + foot 8 4 8 12