Cost-effective management of heart failure and pulmonary disease is of paramount importance. Unfortunately, the rapid and accurate differentiation of heart failure from other causes of dyspnea in private practice is challenging. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are significantly higher in patients with congestive heart failure as compared to patients with dyspnea due to other causes. As a simple, non-expensive assay easily applicable in private practice is available, rapid measurement of BNP might be very helpful in establishing or excluding the diagnosis of heart failure in patients presenting with acute dyspnea in private practice.