The following allergy tests are covered benefits:
1. IgE Specific Antibody (e.g., RAST, micro-Elisa, immunocap) if clinically
indicated for history of severe urticaria, hives, or severe allergy, when skin
testing is inappropriate.
2. Skin tests (scratch, intradermal, pricks)
3. Patch application tests
4. Drug Provocation testing
5. Skin Endpoint Titration (SET). Skin endpoint titration is effective for
quantifying patient sensitivity and for providing a safe starting dose for
immunotherapy. SET has not been shown to be an effective guide to a
final therapeutic dose.
6. Nitric Oxide Breath Analysis for the management of asthma.
The following services have not been proven to be effective in diagnosing
and/or treating allergies, and are not covered benefits:
1. Cytotoxicity testing (Bryan's test)
2. Urine autoinjection (autogenous urine immunization)
3. Provocation testing and neutralization therapy for food allergy
(intracutaneous, subcutaneous or sublingually). Also called
Intracutaneous Progressive Dilution Food Test (IPDFT).
4. Antigen leukocyte cellular antibody test (ALCAT) for all indications
including but not limited to testing for food allergies or intolerance
(chemical sensitivities) and as a tool to establish elimination diets.
5. Electrodermal testing or electro-acupuncture*
