Name of the Procedure:

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.
(Common Name: Allergy Shots or Allergen Immunotherapy)

Summary

Allergen immunotherapy, often known as allergy shots, involves regular injections of allergenic extracts. This process is conducted in a healthcare professional's office and typically entails administering two or more injections per session.

Purpose

Medical Condition: Allergic rhinitis, asthma, and other allergen-induced conditions.
Goals: To reduce the severity of allergic reactions and improve the patient's overall quality of life by gradually desensitizing their immune system to specific allergens.

Indications

• Moderate to severe allergic rhinitis not adequately managed by medication.
• Allergic asthma with poor control using conventional treatment.
• Sensitivity to insect stings and bites.
• Chronic sinusitis with allergic component.
• Patients who prefer long-term treatment benefits over continual medication use.

Preparation

• Patients may be advised to avoid vigorous exercise for a few hours before and after the injection.
• Inform the physician about any current medications, as some may need to be adjusted.
• Come prepared with a history of allergic reactions and other relevant medical records.

Procedure Description

1. The patient checks in and provides any updated medical information.
2. The healthcare professional prepares the allergenic extract based on the patient's specific allergies.
3. The skin is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe at the injection site.
4. The allergenic extract is injected subcutaneously, usually into the upper arm.
5. This process is repeated for each allergen being treated.
6. The patient remains under observation for about 30 minutes to monitor for adverse reactions.

Duration

Each session typically takes about 30-60 minutes, including the observation period post-injection.

Setting

The procedure is performed in the office or institution of the prescribing physician or other qualified healthcare professional.

Personnel

• Allergist or Immunologist
• Nurse or Medical Assistant

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Localized swelling and redness at the injection site.
• Itching or mild discomfort.

Rare Risks:

• Systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
• Asthma exacerbation.

Management: Immediate intervention with medications such as epinephrine, antihistamines, or corticosteroids in case of severe reactions.

Benefits

• Effective long-term control of allergy symptoms.
• Reduction in medication usage over time.
• Improvement in overall quality of life.
• Potential for complete remission of allergies for some patients.

Recovery

• Patients can usually resume normal activities shortly after the observation period.
• They are advised to report any delayed adverse reactions to their healthcare provider.
• Follow-up appointments are scheduled regularly, initially weekly or bi-weekly, and eventually spaced out further.

Alternatives

• Oral antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids.
• Avoidance of known allergens.
• Sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops).

Pros of Alternatives:

• Non-invasive and convenient.
• Can be taken at home (for allergy drops).

Cons of Alternatives:

• May not provide as lasting a benefit as allergy shots.
• Requires continuous use.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients may feel slight discomfort from the needle injection. Some might experience mild irritation at the site. Post-procedure, pain is typically minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief if necessary. Most patients tolerate the procedure well and appreciate the long-term benefits of allergen immunotherapy.