CPT® Code 86490

Deleted

Coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley Fever, is an infectious disease caused by the soil-dwelling fungus Coccidioides immitis, which is primarily found in specific geographic regions such as Southern California, the Southwestern United States, Northwestern Mexico, and certain areas of Central and South America. The skin test for coccidioidomycosis is a diagnostic procedure designed to evaluate the cellular immune response of individuals who may have been exposed to this fungus. During the test, a small amount of the fungal antigen is introduced into the skin through a pinprick. This method allows healthcare providers to assess whether the immune system has previously encountered the fungus. A positive reaction at the test site may suggest either an active infection or a history of exposure to the fungus, indicating that the individual's immune system has responded to the antigen. The test is crucial for diagnosing coccidioidomycosis, especially in patients presenting with symptoms consistent with the disease, as it helps differentiate between active and past infections.