AMA CPT® Assistant - 1991 Issue 2 (Summer)
Allergy Testing (Summer 1991)
Summer 1991 pages 14-16 Coding Commentary Allergy Testing (Editors Note: In CPT 1993 several of the codes used to describe allergy testing were revised. You may want to refer to the Summer 1993 article that discusses the changes .) Common types of allergy testing are discussed in the article which follows. In a future issue of the CPT Assistant, we will provide information on allergen immunotherapy. In order to better understand the various types and methods of testing, a common understanding of the following terms is necessary: Allergen - an antigenic substance capable of producing immediate-type hypersensitivity (allergy) *...
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Article Overview
This article explains the general scope of allergy testing covered in a 1991 CPT coding commentary, including the terminology used for different test methods and the major CPT sections tied to those services. It is relevant for coders, auditors, and reference users who need historical context on allergy testing guidance and the organization of related CPT code groupings.
Why This Topic Matters
Allergy testing includes multiple service types that are organized differently in CPT, so understanding how the article frames the testing categories helps readers identify which section applies to a given service and how the guidance was presented at the time.
Article Sections
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Coding Commentary
Introduces the article and places the topic in the context of a later CPT revision notice. It also frames the discussion as an overview of common allergy testing methods.
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Terms and definitions
Provides basic terminology used throughout the discussion of allergy testing. The section defines several general concepts related to allergens and testing approaches.
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Percutaneous Testing
Describes the first major testing category and discusses how the related CPT code group is organized by test count and general type of substance tested.
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Intracutaneous Testing
Covers intradermal-style allergy testing categories and outlines how the related CPT code groups are organized for immediate and delayed evaluation.
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Skin End Point Titration
Briefly discusses this allergy testing method and its relationship to determining a starting dose for related services.
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Direct Nasal Mucous Membrane Test
Summarizes nasal testing and notes that the associated code applies to testing performed in a single encounter.
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Patch or Application Tests
Reviews topical allergy testing and the general way the related code section is used to represent testing performed during an encounter.
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Photo Tests
Describes testing related to sunlight-triggered reactions and the code associated with this category.
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Ophthalmic Mucous Membrane Tests
Covers eye-based mucous membrane testing and the associated code grouping for tests performed in a single encounter.
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Inhalation Bronchial Challenge Testing
Discusses inhalation challenge testing, related pulmonary function considerations, and the CPT code references included in this section.
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Ingestion Challenge Test
Reviews ingestion-based challenge testing and the code used for this service category.
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Provocative Testing
Summarizes broader provocative challenge testing that is not addressed in more specific categories and references the associated code.
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Passive Transfer Tests
Describes passive transfer testing and places it in the context of the related CPT code range and its historical usage concerns.
What You Will Learn
- How the article organizes the major categories of allergy testing
- Which allergy testing topics were discussed in the 1991 CPT commentary
- How the article frames the relationship between test type and CPT code grouping
- What general terminology is used to describe allergy testing methods
- Which allergy testing categories involve skin, nasal, ocular, inhalation, ingestion, provocative, and passive transfer approaches
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Clinical documentation staff
- Healthcare reference users
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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