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Official Description

Intracutaneous (intradermal) tests with allergenic extracts, delayed type reaction, including reading, specify number of tests

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Intracutaneous (intradermal) tests are diagnostic procedures used to assess an individual's sensitivity to specific allergens. These tests involve the administration of allergenic extracts, which are substances derived from potential allergens, injected just beneath the surface of the skin. The primary purpose of these tests is to provoke a delayed type allergic reaction, which typically manifests over a period of several days. During the procedure, one or more allergenic extracts are carefully selected and documented, ensuring that the specific allergens being tested are clearly identified. Patients are provided with detailed instructions regarding the expected outcomes of a delayed type reaction, including the timeline for when they should return for evaluation. Generally, patients are asked to return to the healthcare facility approximately 48 hours after the initial injection. At this follow-up visit, a physician or qualified healthcare professional examines the injection sites to assess for any signs of allergic reactions, such as redness, swelling, or inflammation. The results of the test are then interpreted, and a comprehensive written report is generated, detailing the presence, absence, or degree of allergic reaction to each allergen tested. This structured approach ensures that the testing process is thorough and that the results are clearly communicated to the patient and relevant healthcare providers.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Intracutaneous (intradermal) tests with allergenic extracts are indicated for the evaluation of suspected allergies, particularly when a delayed type reaction is anticipated. These tests are commonly performed in the following scenarios:

  • Allergic Rhinitis Patients presenting with symptoms of allergic rhinitis may undergo these tests to identify specific allergens triggering their symptoms.
  • Atopic Dermatitis Individuals with atopic dermatitis may be tested to determine potential allergens contributing to their skin condition.
  • Food Allergies In cases where food allergies are suspected, intradermal testing can help identify specific food allergens.
  • Insect Allergies Patients with a history of insect sting reactions may be tested to identify sensitivities to specific insect venoms.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting intracutaneous tests with allergenic extracts involves several key steps to ensure accurate results and patient safety.

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation Prior to the test, the patient is thoroughly evaluated, and their medical history is reviewed to identify any potential contraindications. The patient is informed about the procedure, including what to expect and the importance of returning for the reading of results.
  • Step 2: Selection of Allergenic Extracts The healthcare provider selects the appropriate allergenic extracts based on the patient's history and symptoms. These extracts are prepared and labeled to ensure accurate documentation of the allergens being tested.
  • Step 3: Injection of Allergenic Extracts The selected allergenic extracts are injected intradermally, just beneath the skin's surface, at specified sites. The number of tests performed is documented, as this is a critical component of the procedure.
  • Step 4: Patient Instructions After the injections, the patient is given clear instructions regarding the expected delayed reaction and the timeline for returning to the office for evaluation, typically within 48 hours.
  • Step 5: Reading the Results Upon the patient's return, the healthcare provider examines the injection sites for any signs of allergic reaction, such as redness, swelling, or inflammation. The degree of reaction is assessed and documented.
  • Step 6: Interpretation and Reporting The results of the test are interpreted, and a written report is generated. This report specifies the presence, absence, or degree of allergic reaction to each allergen tested, providing valuable information for the patient's ongoing care.

3. Post-Procedure

After the intracutaneous testing procedure, patients are advised to monitor the injection sites for any unusual reactions and to report any significant changes or discomfort to their healthcare provider. The expected recovery period is generally short, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort at the injection sites. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results of the test and to develop an appropriate management plan based on the identified allergens. It is essential for patients to adhere to the follow-up instructions to ensure comprehensive evaluation and care.

Short Descr IQ TSTS ALLERGY DELAYED RXN
Medium Descr IQ TSTS ALLERGENIC XTRCS DLYD TYP RXN W/READING
Long Descr Intracutaneous (intradermal) tests with allergenic extracts, delayed type reaction, including reading, specify number of tests
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 3 - Technical Component Only 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 30
CCS Clinical Classification 173 - Other diagnostic procedures on skin and subcutaneous tissue
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Date
Action
Notes
2025-01-01 Changed Short and Medium Descriptions changed.
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
1993-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1993.
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