CPT® Code 95131

1. Indications

Allergic Reactions to Stinging Insects Allergen immunotherapy is indicated for patients who exhibit allergic reactions to stinging insects such as bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets. This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced severe allergic responses, including anaphylaxis, to these insect stings.

2. Procedure

Step 1: Allergy Testing Prior to initiating allergen immunotherapy, patients undergo allergy testing to identify specific stinging insect allergens. This testing is crucial for determining the appropriate allergenic extracts to be used in the immunotherapy regimen.

Step 2: Development of Immunotherapy Schedule Once the specific allergens are identified, a personalized immunotherapy schedule is developed. This schedule outlines the treatment phases, including the build-up and maintenance phases, tailored to the patient's needs.

Step 3: Build-Up Phase Administration During the build-up phase, patients receive injections of the allergenic extract(s) at increasing doses. These injections are typically administered in the upper arm and occur one, two, or three times per week. This phase is designed to gradually desensitize the patient to the allergens and usually lasts between 3 to 6 months.

Step 4: Maintenance Phase Administration After successfully completing the build-up phase, patients transition to the maintenance phase. In this phase, injections are administered monthly for a duration of 3 to 5 years. The goal of the maintenance phase is to sustain the desensitization achieved during the build-up phase and to provide long-term relief from allergic reactions.

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. This ensures that the extracts are tailored to the specific allergens identified during the testing phase.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any immediate allergic reactions following the administration of the allergenic extract. Patients are typically advised to remain in the office for a short period after the injection to ensure their safety. Additionally, ongoing follow-up appointments are necessary to assess the effectiveness of the immunotherapy and to make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Patients should also be educated on recognizing signs of an allergic reaction and the importance of adhering to the scheduled injections for optimal results.