Allergy tests and treatment
Your Trust health plan covers those allergy tests and treatments that are recognized as safe and effective by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI).
This globally recognized medical society is the largest professional medical specialty organization representing allergists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals, and other physicians with a special interest in allergy.
Services covered
The following are examples of services we cover if they are performed according to the standards of the AAAAI:
- Initial diagnostic evaluation. This includes the initial history, physical examination, relevant laboratory services, and the following diagnostic tests to determine the cause of an allergy:
- Scratch tests or specific intradermal (under-the-skin) tests, if warranted by the patient’s history and physical examination.
- Specific laboratory tests to determine respiratory function and blood levels of the immune system.
- In vitro (via a blood sample) tests if skin testing is inconclusive, or if a condition precludes the use of, or replaces, scratch testing or intradermal testing.
- Injections of antigens (immunotherapy) to build up immunities, if warranted by the patient’s diagnosis.
Services not covered
Some allergy tests and treatments in use today are not recognized as safe and effective by the AAAAI and are not covered by your plan. Examples of such services include:
- Sublingual antigen drops
- Provocative and neutralization testing and treatment
- Repeated intradermal testing
- Skin-test end-point titration for evaluating the effectiveness of immunotherapy
- Food allergy desensitization therapy
- Office visits, physician charges, or any other services associated with a procedure or service that the plan does not cover
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