Pulmonology Coding Alert

Thank CMS for increased antigen payment and quantity

The next time you report allergy titration tests, you can expect more money.

The supply items for 95015 (Intracutaneous [intradermal] tests, sequential and incremental, with drugs, biologicals, or venoms, immediate type reaction, specify number of tests) went up, effective Jan. 1, 2007. The 2007 National Physician Fee Schedule adopts the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's (AAAAI) recommendation to change the test substance in 95015 "to venom, at $10.70 (from single antigen, at $5.18) and the quantity to 0.3 ml (from 0.1 ml)," according to page 120 of CMS-1321-FC.

The allergy test change has two impacts. "CMS is upping the reimbursement," says Susan Callaway, CPC, CCS-P, an independent coding auditor and trainer in
North Augusta, S.C. The change also clarifies "the dosages so that there is no confusion as to the quantities being used."