Pediatric Coding Alert

Question: How should I code for allergen immunotherapy? Does it matter if our practice gives the injection but obtains the serum from another physician?

California Subscriber

Answer: Many pediatricians administer antigens formulated by another physician. If another physician (usually an allergist) prescribes the medications, the pediatrician who administers them should code 95115 (professional services for allergen immunotherapy not including provision of allergenic extracts; single injection) or 95117 ( ... two or more injections). If the pediatrician provides the allergenic extracts, he or she should use either 95120 (professional services for allergen immunotherapy in prescribing physicians office or institution, including provision of allergenic extract; single injection) or 95125 ( ... two or more injections).