CPT® Code 95115

Allergen immunotherapy, commonly referred to as allergy shots, is a medical treatment designed to alleviate symptoms associated with allergic reactions. This therapy is particularly effective for individuals suffering from seasonal allergies, such as those triggered by pollen from grasses, weeds, and trees, as well as indoor perennial allergies caused by dust mites, pet dander, and molds. The process begins with allergy testing, which is conducted to identify the specific allergens affecting the patient. Once the allergens are determined, a tailored immunotherapy schedule is established, consisting of two distinct phases: the build-up phase and the maintenance phase. During the build-up phase, patients receive progressively increasing doses of the allergenic extract(s) through injections, typically administered in the upper arm, at intervals of one to three times per week. This phase generally spans a duration of 3 to 6 months. Following this, the maintenance phase commences, where patients receive monthly injections for an extended period of 3 to 5 years. It is important to note that while an allergist or an external supplier is responsible for formulating and providing the allergenic extract, the administration of the injection is performed by another physician or qualified healthcare professional, who also monitors the patient for a specified time after each injection. For billing purposes, CPT® Code 95115 is utilized for each encounter involving a single injection, while CPT® Code 95117 is designated for encounters where two or more injections are administered in a single visit.