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
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Professional Services for Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) - Single Injection
Summary
Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) involves administering injections containing small amounts of allergens to help build your body's tolerance to them. This is done in the office or institution of your prescribing physician or another qualified healthcare professional.
Purpose
The goal of AIT is to reduce or eliminate allergic reactions caused by specific allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or insect stings. Over time, it aims to modify your immune system's response, providing long-term relief from allergy symptoms.
Indications
AIT is indicated for patients who suffer from allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, or life-threatening reactions to insect stings and have not responded adequately to medications or avoidance measures. Candidates for this procedure are typically those with confirmed allergies through diagnostic testing.
Preparation
- Inform your physician about any current medications, as some may need adjustment.
- Avoid intense physical activity for 1-2 hours before and after the injection.
- You may be advised to eat a light meal prior to the procedure to help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Procedure Description
- Assessment: Your physician will assess your medical history and confirm the specific allergen to be treated.
- Injection Preparation: The healthcare professional prepares a personalized allergenic extract based on your allergy profile.
- Injection Site: The area, usually the upper arm, is cleaned with an antiseptic.
- Injection: The healthcare professional administers the extract via a single subcutaneous injection.
- Monitoring: You will remain in the office for about 30 minutes post-injection to monitor for any adverse reactions.
Duration
The entire appointment typically lasts about 45 minutes, with the injection itself taking just a few minutes.
Setting
The procedure is performed in your physician's office or another healthcare facility such as an outpatient clinic.
Personnel
- Prescribing Physician or Allergist
- Qualified Healthcare Professional (e.g., nurses, medical assistants)
Risks and Complications
- Common: Local reactions like redness, swelling at the injection site.
- Rare: Systemic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis, which require immediate medical attention.
Benefits
- Reduced severity and frequency of allergy symptoms.
- Potential long-term relief after a complete course of treatment, which usually spans 3-5 years.
- Decreased need for medication over time.
Recovery
- You can resume normal activities after the observation period unless advised otherwise by your physician.
- Monitor for any delayed reaction at home and seek medical attention if severe symptoms occur.
Alternatives
- Medications (e.g., antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids)
- Allergen avoidance strategies (e.g., air filters, pet restrictions)
- Pros and cons vary; for example, medications provide symptomatic relief but do not modify the immune response as AIT does.
Patient Experience
- Mild pain or discomfort at the injection site is common.
- Possible anxiety about injections can be addressed with relaxation techniques or reassurance from the healthcare professional.
- Post-injection, you may feel slightly drowsy, especially if predisposed to anxiety about medical procedures, but normal activities can usually be resumed shortly afterward.