CPT® Code 95120

Professional services for allergen immunotherapy in the office or institution of the prescribing physician or other qualified health care professional, including provision of allergenic extract; single injection

Allergen immunotherapy, commonly referred to as allergy shots, is a medical treatment designed to alleviate symptoms associated with allergic reactions. This procedure is particularly effective for individuals suffering from seasonal allergies, such as those triggered by pollen from grasses, weeds, and trees, as well as indoor allergies caused by dust mites, pet dander, and molds. The process begins with allergy testing, which is a separate and reportable service, to identify the specific allergens that provoke the patient's symptoms. Once the allergens are identified, a tailored immunotherapy schedule is established, which consists of two distinct phases: the build-up phase and the maintenance phase. During the build-up phase, patients receive small but progressively increasing doses of the allergenic extract(s) through injections, typically administered in the upper arm, on a frequency of one to three times per week. This phase generally lasts between three to six months. Following the build-up phase, patients transition to the maintenance phase, where they receive monthly injections for an extended period, usually ranging from three to five years. The allergenic extract used in this therapy is prepared and provided by the physician or another qualified healthcare professional. For billing purposes, CPT® Code 95120 is utilized for a single injection during an encounter, while CPT® Code 95125 is designated for encounters where two or more injections are administered.