DESCRIPTION
Scratch Test
Skin is superficially scratched and a drop of antigen extract is applied on the scratch. The antigen and control sites are observed and recorded twenty minutes after application.
Prick or Puncture Test
After placing a drop of antigen extract directly onto the skin a sharp instrument is applied to the site and the skin pricked through at a 45 to 60 degree angle (prick test) or a 90 degree angle (puncture test). Reactions at the allergen and control sites are observed and recorded fifteen to twenty minutes after application.
POLICY
Percutaneous testing (scratch, prick, or puncture test) in the diagnosis of an allergic individual is considered medically necessary.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
We develop Medical Policies to provide guidance to Members and Providers. This Medical Policy relates only to the services or supplies described in it. The existence of a Medical Policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits or a contract for the service (or supply) that is referenced in the Medical Policy. For a determination of the benefits that a Member is entitled to receive under his or her health plan, the Member's health plan must be reviewed. If there is a conflict between the Medical Policy and a health plan, the express terms of the health plan will govern.
SOURCES
Hayes. Medical Technology Directory. (2006, August). Allergy testing, in vivo. Retrieved March 31, 2008 from www.Hayesinc.com/subscribers. (54 articles and/or guidelines reviewed)
Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters; American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology; Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (2007). Allergen immunotherapy: A practice parameter second update. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 120 (3 Suppl.), S25-S85.
Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters. (2003). Allergen immunotherapy: A practice parameter. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 90 (1 Suppl. 1), 1-40.
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/12/1998
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 5/8/2008
ID_BT
Policies included in the Medical Policy Manual are not intended to certify coverage availability. They are medical determinations about a particular technology, service, drug, etc. While a policy or technology may be medically necessary, it could be excluded in a member's benefit plan. Please check with the appropriate claims department to determine if the service in question is a covered service under a particular benefit plan. Use of the Medical Policy Manual is not intended to replace independent medical judgment for treatment of individuals. The content on this Web site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
This document has been classified as public information.