Allergy Skin Testing

Allergy skin testing is covered when clinically indicated, correlated with a complete history and physical, and limited to validated test techniques and allergens with documented efficacy. Percutaneous testing is the preferred method and is covered for documented IgE-mediated reactions to inhalants, foods (with systemic IgE-mediated presentations), Hymenoptera, and specified drugs; intradermal testing is limited to selected patients with negative percutaneous tests and focused testing. Several tests and scenarios are non-covered (e.g., neutralization testing/therapy, qualitative multiallergen screens, intradermal food testing, late extract reactions, and antigens lacking peer-reviewed efficacy), and retesting with the same antigens is generally not expected within a 3-year period except in specified exceptions.

"Allergy skin testing is covered when the patient presents with a clinically significant allergic history or symptoms not controllable by empiric conservative therapy."