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Official Description

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; 2 or more injections

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

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 conducted to identify the specific allergens that provoke an individual's allergic responses. 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, with frequency ranging from 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 lasting three to five years. The allergenic extract used in this therapy is prepared and provided by the physician or another qualified healthcare professional, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate treatment tailored to their specific allergic conditions. For billing purposes, CPT® Code 95125 is utilized for professional services involving allergen immunotherapy when two or more injections are administered during a single encounter, while CPT® Code 95120 is designated for encounters involving a single injection.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Allergen immunotherapy is indicated for patients experiencing allergic reactions to specific allergens. The following conditions and symptoms warrant the use of this treatment:

  • Seasonal Allergies - Patients suffering from allergies related to pollen from grasses, weeds, and trees.
  • Indoor Allergies - Individuals with allergies to common indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and molds.

2. Procedure

The procedure for allergen immunotherapy involves several key steps that ensure the safe and effective administration of allergenic extracts. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Allergy Testing - Prior to initiating immunotherapy, patients undergo allergy testing to identify specific allergens that trigger their allergic reactions. This testing is crucial for developing a targeted treatment plan.
  • Step 2: Development of Immunotherapy Schedule - Based on the results of the allergy testing, a personalized immunotherapy schedule is created. This schedule includes two phases: the build-up phase and the maintenance phase.
  • Step 3: Build-Up Phase - During this initial phase, patients receive small doses of the allergenic extract(s) through injections, typically administered in the upper arm. The frequency of these injections can range from one to three times per week, and this phase usually lasts for three to six months. The doses are gradually increased to build tolerance to the allergens.
  • Step 4: Maintenance Phase - After the build-up phase, patients transition to the maintenance phase, where they receive monthly injections of the allergenic extract for a duration of three to five years. This phase aims to maintain the patient's tolerance to the allergens and reduce allergy symptoms over time.
  • Step 5: Provision of Allergenic Extract - The allergenic extract used in the immunotherapy is prepared and provided by the physician or other qualified healthcare professional, ensuring that the treatment is tailored to the patient's specific allergic profile.

3. Post-Procedure

After the administration of allergen immunotherapy injections, patients are typically monitored for a short period to observe for any immediate adverse reactions. It is important for patients to report any unusual symptoms or side effects to their healthcare provider. Following the injections, patients may continue with their regular activities, but they should adhere to the prescribed schedule for subsequent injections. Long-term follow-up is essential to assess the effectiveness of the therapy and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Patients are encouraged to maintain open communication with their healthcare provider regarding their allergy symptoms and overall response to the immunotherapy.

Short Descr IMMUNOTHERAPY 2/> INJECTIONS
Medium Descr PROF SVCS ALLG IMMNTX W/PRV ALLGIC XTRC 2/> NJX
Long Descr 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; 2 or more injections
Status Code Not Valid for Medicare Purposes
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Non-Covered Service, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) M5D - Specialist - other
MUE 0
CCS Clinical Classification 228 - Prophylactic vaccinations and inoculations
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2009-01-01 Changed Code description changed
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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