Allergy testing

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ALLERGY TESTING Medications You must stop all antihistamines, decongestants and/or cold medications (prescribed & over the counter) seven days prior to testing. The most common examples of these are Allegra (Fexofenadine), Allerx, Benadryl (Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Antihistamine), Clarinex, Claritin (Loratadine), Zyrtec, and all drugs labeled as Cold-Allergy-Sinus-Decongestant or PM etc. (You may continue to use your steroid nasal spray or asthma inhalers) General Information Allergy testing will take approximately 60-75 minutes, so wear comfortable clothing. Tops must be short sleeved, as testing will take place on the forearm and upper arm if warranted. If you are ill with fever on the day of testing, your appointment will need to be rescheduled. Please call us prior to your appointment time if at all possible as other patients may be able to be moved up. If you are on an antibiotic the Week of your testing date please calls the office and asks to speak with the allergy nurse she will then decide if testing will need to be rescheduled.

After Testing:

There is very little discomfort during the test; however, you may experience some mild itching and/or redness at the testing site. Very rarely does this test make your symptoms worse. If testingis for a child, ask the allergy nurse about EMLA Cream when she calls to schedule your appointment.

Allergy Services Insurance Information:

Some insurance policies do not include “covered” allergy services. Please check your insurance policy manual or contact the customer service representative for your insurance company, the customer service number can usually be found on the back of your insurance card. WHEN CHECKING YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO GIVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: CPT/ Procedure codes (What is being done): 95004 Prick puncture testing

65024 Interdermal skin testing

ICD / Diagnosis Codes (Reason Why Procedure is being done): 477.9 Allergic Rhinitis

473.8 Recurrent sinusitis

IF TESTING IS POSITIVE & IMMUNOTHERAPY IS RECOMMENDED THE ADDITIONAL CODES ARE: CPT /Procedure codes (What is being done): 95165 Preparation of Antigen (Injectable)

95117 Two or more injections

95115 One injection

95199 Sublingual therapies (not covered by insurance)

ICD /Diagnosis Codes (Reason Why Procedure is being done): 477.0 Allergic rhinitis – pollens 477.2 Allergic rhinitis – animals 477.8 Allergic rhinitis – other allergies

Please note that a co-pay for ench immunotherapy visit may be required depending upon insurance coverage. If they are not covered you will be responsible for the payment at a negotiated rate. Please contact our billing department at 800-556-6236 or the Practice Administrator at 419-474-9324 to make payment arrangements prior to the service date. All other allergy service questions should be directed to the Allergy Department 419-474-9324 or 419-6984505.