Allergy Testing

Medicare covers allergy testing when performed after a complete history and face-to-face physical exam using antigens proven effective and relevant to the patient’s exposure. Percutaneous and intradermal tests are covered for IgE-mediated inhalant, food, hymenoptera, and certain drug/vaccine allergies; patch, photo-patch, inhalation challenge, oral challenge (once per encounter), and in vitro specific-IgE testing are covered under specified clinical indications and documentation requirements. A broad set of provocative, cytotoxic, IgG, non-specific multi-allergen screens, and many investigational tests and home-based oral challenges are excluded from coverage; routine annual retesting is not covered and some high-volume or unusual testing requires case-by-case justification.

"Allergy skin testing is covered when performed after a complete medical and immunologic history and an appropriate face-to-face physical examination."