BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Medical Policy Manual

Allergy Immunotherapy - Repository Emulsion Therapy

DESCRIPTION

Immunotherapy involves regular injections of an offending allergen. The goal is to reduce symptoms.

POLICY

Repository emulsion therapy for the allergic individual is considered investigational.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Repository emulsion therapy does not meet the following technology evaluation criteria:

SOURCES

Adlich, P. K. & Brecht, J. G. (2000), Economic evaluation of specific immunotherapy versus symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis in Germany. Pharmacoeconomics, 17 (1), 37-52. Abstract retrieved August 22, 2003 from Health Technology Assessment Information Service.

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. (1998, November). Diagnosis and management of rhinitis. Retrieved August 23, 2003 from http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=1876&nbr=1102&string=management+rhinitis.

Varney, V. A., Tabbah, K., Mavfoleon, G., & Frew, A. J. (2003). Usefulness of specific immunotherapy in patients with severe perennial allergic rhinitis induced by house dust mite: A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial. Clinical and Experimental Allergy: Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 33 (8), 1076-1082. Abstract retrieved August 22, 2003 from PubMed database.

EFFECTIVE DATE

5/25/2006

 

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