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Official Description

Percutaneous tests (scratch, puncture, prick) with allergenic extracts, immediate type reaction, including test interpretation and report, specify number of tests

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Percutaneous allergy tests, as denoted by CPT® Code 95004, are diagnostic procedures that involve the application of allergenic extracts to the skin to assess immediate-type allergic reactions. These tests are designed to identify specific allergens that may trigger hypersensitivity responses in individuals. The procedure entails the skin being scratched, punctured, or pricked with one or more allergenic extracts, which are substances known to provoke allergic reactions. Following the application of these extracts, the test sites are closely monitored for any signs of an allergic response, such as redness, swelling, or inflammation. The evaluation of these reactions is conducted by a physician or a qualified healthcare professional who interprets the results. A comprehensive written report is generated, detailing the number of allergens tested, the specific extracts utilized, and the observed reactions, which may include the absence, presence, or degree of any allergic response. This structured approach allows for a clear understanding of an individual's sensitivities and aids in the development of appropriate management strategies for allergy treatment.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The percutaneous allergy tests indicated by CPT® Code 95004 are performed for various reasons related to the assessment of allergic conditions. These indications include:

  • Allergic Rhinitis - Patients experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes may undergo testing to identify specific allergens contributing to their condition.
  • Asthma - Individuals with asthma may be tested to determine if allergens are exacerbating their respiratory symptoms.
  • Atopic Dermatitis - Patients with eczema or other skin conditions may require testing to identify potential allergens that could be triggering their skin reactions.
  • Food Allergies - In some cases, percutaneous testing may be utilized to evaluate sensitivities to specific food allergens.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting percutaneous allergy tests involves several key steps, which are outlined as follows:

  • Step 1: Preparation - The patient is prepared for the test by cleaning the skin area where the allergens will be applied. This may involve the use of an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection and ensure accurate results.
  • Step 2: Application of Allergenic Extracts - Allergenic extracts are then applied to the skin using one of three methods: scratching, puncturing, or pricking. Each method is designed to introduce the allergen into the epidermis, allowing for an immediate reaction to be observed.
  • Step 3: Observation - After the application of the allergens, the test sites are monitored for a specified period, typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. During this time, the healthcare professional observes the skin for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as redness, swelling, or wheal formation.
  • Step 4: Interpretation of Results - Following the observation period, the healthcare professional interprets the results based on the reactions observed at each test site. The degree of reaction is assessed to determine the patient's sensitivity to each allergen.
  • Step 5: Reporting - A detailed report is generated, which includes the number of allergens tested, the specific extracts used, and the results of the reactions. This report serves as a critical document for guiding further management and treatment of the patient's allergies.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the percutaneous allergy tests, patients may be advised on several post-procedure care considerations. It is common for the test sites to exhibit some degree of redness or swelling, which typically resolves within a few hours to a few days. Patients should be instructed to avoid scratching or irritating the test sites to prevent complications such as infection. Additionally, they may be advised to refrain from applying topical medications or creams to the affected areas until the reactions have subsided. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results of the tests and to develop an appropriate management plan based on the identified allergens.

Short Descr PERQ TESTS W/ALRGNC XTRCS
Medium Descr PERCUTANEOUS TESTS W/ALLERGENIC XTR IMMT RXN
Long Descr Percutaneous tests (scratch, puncture, prick) with allergenic extracts, immediate type reaction, including test interpretation and report, specify number of tests
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 02 - Procedure must be performed under the direct supervision of a physician.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator STV-Packaged Codes
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 80
CCS Clinical Classification 173 - Other diagnostic procedures on skin and subcutaneous tissue
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
32 Mandated services: services related to mandated consultation and/or related services (eg, third party payer, governmental, legislative or regulatory requirement) may be identified by adding modifier 32 to the basic procedure.
AB Audiology service furnished personally by an audiologist without a physician/npp order for non-acute hearing assessment unrelated to disequilibrium, or hearing aids, or examinations for the purpose of prescribing, fitting, or changing hearing aids; service may be performed once every 12 months, per beneficiary
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
GF Non-physician (e.g. nurse practitioner (np), certified registered nurse anesthetist (crna), certified registered nurse (crn), clinical nurse specialist (cns), physician assistant (pa)) services in a critical access hospital
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
Date
Action
Notes
2025-01-01 Changed Short and Medium Descriptions changed.
2013-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2008-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
1993-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1993.
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