CPT® Code 95018

Allergy testing, any combination of percutaneous (scratch, puncture, prick) and intracutaneous (intradermal), sequential and incremental, with drugs or biologicals, immediate type reaction, including test interpretation and report, specify number of tests

The CPT® Code 95018 refers to a specific type of allergy testing that combines both percutaneous and intracutaneous methods to assess immediate type allergic reactions. In this procedure, allergens, which may include drugs, biological substances, or venoms, are introduced into the skin to elicit a response. The percutaneous method involves the physician applying a small amount of the allergen to the skin's surface through techniques such as scratching, puncturing, or pricking. In contrast, the intracutaneous method entails injecting a small volume of the allergen directly into the dermal layer of the skin. The physician closely monitors the test sites for signs of an allergic reaction, which may manifest as swelling, redness, or itching. Following the testing, the physician interprets the results and generates a comprehensive report detailing the number of tests conducted, the specific allergens used, and the observed reactions, whether they are absent, present, or of varying degrees. It is important to note that for tests specifically involving venoms, the appropriate code to use is 95017, while code 95018 is designated for tests utilizing drugs or biologicals.