As COVID-19 continues, getting a flu shot is vital to protecting your health
Read the full articleEspecially for those with asthma, keeping your lungs healthy is the priority.… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (September 10, 2020) – Those who suffer from asthma are among the most vulnerable to effects of the flu. This year, as COVID-19 continues to spread, it’s more important than…

Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC) unanimously recommends first specialty-focused APM for a chronic condition to HHS secretary for consideration
Read the full articlePTAC commends American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s efforts to improve care for patients with asthma.… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (September 16, 2020) – The Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC) unanimously voted to refer the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s (ACAAI’s)…

Follow expert guidelines to keep Halloween safe for those with allergies and asthma
Read the full articleEven ghosts and goblins will be socially distancing this Halloween.… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (September 30, 2020) – Halloween 2020 won’t look like any Halloween you or your kids have ever experienced. While costumes for past Halloweens have often included masks, we’ve never been cautioned to make…

As fall arrives, so do fire ants in southeastern parts of the U.S.
Read the full articleThey aren’t part of fall allergies, but their stings are painful and can be dangerous.… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (October 1, 2020) – If you live in the southeastern part of the U.S., you probably know how painful and dangerous a sting from a fire ant…

Some allergens that cause contact dermatitis are found in masks that prevent COVID-19
Read the full articleARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 13, 2020) – Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, those able to wear a face… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 13, 2020) – Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, those able to wear a face mask have been encouraged to…

With or without allergies, outcomes similar for hospitalized patients with COVID-19
Read the full articleARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 13, 2020) – During the COVID-19 pandemic, attention has been focused on how those with both… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 13, 2020) – During the COVID-19 pandemic, attention has been focused on how those with both allergies and asthma might be…

Show rates for asthma visits during COVID-19 increased thanks to telemedicine
Read the full articleARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 13, 2020) – COVID-19 has, among other things, pushed patients of all ages into greater use… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 13, 2020) – COVID-19 has, among other things, pushed patients of all ages into greater use of telemedicine to carry out…

Nearly one in five food-allergic children and one in five parents of food-allergic children are bullied
Read the full articleARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 13, 2020) – Parents of children with food allergies find their children are often bullied by… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 13, 2020) – Parents of children with food allergies find their children are often bullied by classmates, as well as parents…

Food allergies take a greater emotional toll on Asian families
Read the full articleARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 13, 2020) – Studies have shown that food allergies negatively affect the quality of life of… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 13, 2020) – Studies have shown that food allergies negatively affect the quality of life of those who suffer with them.…

Black and Hispanic children in the U.S. have more severe eczema than white children
Read the full articleARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 13, 2020) – While research shows Black and Hispanic children suffer disproportionately with asthma, other allergic… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 13, 2020) – While research shows Black and Hispanic children suffer disproportionately with asthma, other allergic diseases have also been found…

Luz Fonacier installed as ACAAI President
Read the full articleARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 14, 2020) – Luz Fonacier, MD, of Mineola NY, was installed as president of the American… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 14, 2020) – Luz Fonacier, MD, of Mineola NY, was installed as president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and…

Despite Allergies, Asthma, a COVID Holiday Can Still Be Merry and Bright
Read the full articleYou may be having a smaller celebration, but allergies and asthma still need your attention… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (December 8, 2020) – You already downsized your Thanksgiving due to COVID-19, and now you’re contemplating a smaller celebration for the holidays. Unfortunately, your allergies and asthma…

Resolutions for 2021: Staying COVID-Free, Keeping Allergy and Asthma Symptoms Under Control
Read the full articleStay the course so you remain symptom-free in the new year… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (December 15, 2020) – This year has been hard and strange – no one can argue with that. There is hope on the horizon that COVID will become contained and cases will…

COVID-19 Precautions Don’t Mean an Absence of Romance this Valentine’s Day
Read the full articleCreate romance by preventing COVID-19 and keeping allergies and asthma under control… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (January 26, 2021) – With COVID-19 precautions still in place in many towns and cities, your big romantic gesture for Valentine’s Day may mean sticking closer to home and being…

In Survey of Those with Uncontrolled Asthma, Half Smoked Cannabis
Read the full articleOnly about 40% of physicians inquire about cannabis use… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (February 2, 2021) – As the number of states increase where medical and recreational cannabis use is legal, so does the importance that physicians discuss with patients the effects of cannabis on those with…

Now's the time to get in front of fall allergy symptoms
Read the full article(BPT) One day you can breathe easy and enjoy long walks outdoors and fresh breezes through open windows. The next… (BPT) One day you can breathe easy and enjoy long walks outdoors and fresh breezes through open windows. The next day you're hit with headaches,…

Important information about COVID-19 for those with asthma
Read the full articleFrom the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (March 12, 2020) – The recent pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 is creating concern and uncertainty for many people, especially those who suffer from asthma. The elderly, and anyone with severe asthma, immunodeficiency or…

Severe Reactions, Anaphylaxis & Epinephrine
Read the full articleFind answers to popular questions about severe reactions, anaphylaxis and epinephrine.… …

Too little sleep can mean more asthma attacks in adults
Read the full articleFirst study examining adults with asthma shows negative impacts of sleep deprivation.… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – (May 12, 2020) – A good night’s sleep is crucial to good health. A new article in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy,…

Back to school this year is far from back to normal for kids with allergies and asthma
Read the full articleStudents will have new protocols in place as they try to keep allergies and asthma under control.… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (July 28, 2020) – Sending kids back to school at the end of summer is a ritual many parents look forward to. This year as…

High-five – Hone your clinical trial skills
Read the full articleEvery month we want to give a shout out – a high five – to a great member resource on… Every month we want to give a shout out – a high five – to a great member resource on the College website. This month,…

Membership Types
Read the full articleACAAI Membership Types Joining your colleagues in the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology unlocks opportunities and benefits found… ACAAI Membership Types Joining your colleagues in the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology unlocks opportunities and benefits found nowhere else. Member For physicians…

CPT code 95165 - What’s a dose for Medicare billing?
Read the full articleMedicare defines a dose, for billing purposes only, as 1cc of extract and does not cover dilutions. Medicare reimbursement is… Allergists commonly bill CPT code 95165, which describes services for the supervision of preparation and provision of antigens for allergen immunotherapy. It is important…

Nominate a FIT for 2024 Annals Award
Read the full articleFITs who publish the best original research or review in Annals will receive a cash award of up to $2,500. Multiple… Have you read outstanding original research or an excellent review in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology written by a Fellow-in-Training? Consider nominating them…

Get ready for Asthma and Allergy Awareness month 2024
Read the full articleBe prepared for this awareness month, when attention is focused on asthma and allergies. It’s a great opportunity to share… Coming soon – National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in May! You’ll want to be prepared for this awareness month, when attention is focused…

2023 MIPS Emergency Exception Applications reopened due to Change Healthcare cyberattack
Read the full articleCMS will only approve applications citing this cyberattack as the basis for requesting reweighting under the MIPS EUC Exception.… In response to the Change Healthcare cyberattack in late February, CMS extended the 2023 MIPS data submission deadline and is now reopening the 2023 MIPS…

Coding Conundrum – E/M plus Testing
Read the full articleRecently we received a query from a member about coding an oral challenge and an office visit on the same… The Advocacy Council often receives queries from members on correctly coding specific scenarios. Recently we received a request about coding an oral challenge and…

Change Healthcare Cyberattack - continuing coverage
Read the full articleHere is the latest update from UnitedHealth Group. We encourage you to bookmark and check the UHG site regularly for… The Advocacy Council is aware many practices have experienced devastating fallout from the Change Healthcare cyberattack – an issue directly affecting cash flow that…

March 2024 Annals highlights
Read the full articleThis month’s articles and reviews provide guidance for these changes in our treatment pathways.… As spring arrives and pollen season begins, the current issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology highlights many of the new changes that are coming to our field. As…

It takes a village
Read the full articleWhat does it take to bring the ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting to life each year? Believe it or not, planning… One of the most interesting parts of being president of the College is the ability to see many things “up close and personal” that…

AllergyTalk: Two Special Podcasts: Omalizumab for Food Allergy
Read the full articleOn February 16, 2024, the FDA announced the approval of the first biologic medication to treat patients with food allergy,… On February 16, 2024, the FDA announced the approval of the first biologic medication to treat patients with food allergy, omalizumab.…

2024 Cyberattacks cause disruptions
Read the full articleDue to the attack, Change Healthcare's systems are still down, causing struggles for physician practices and hospitals filing claims, as… On Feb. 21, Optum announced that its subsidiary, Change Healthcare, was the victim of a massive cyberattack. Change Healthcare is one of the largest…

Omalizumab for Food Allergy Part 2: Implementation Into Practice
in AllergyTalkRead the full articleIn Part 2, we will discuss important considerations in implementing omalizumab for food allergy in your practice.… On February 16, 2024, the FDA announced the approval of the first biologic medication to treat patients with food allergy, omalizumab! In first part of a two-part…

Omalizumab For Food Allergy – Part 1: Reviewing the Evidence
in AllergyTalkRead the full articleIn first part of a two-part series, we will review the evidence behind the Omalizumab as Monotherapy and as Adjunct… On February 16, 2024, the FDA announced the approval of the first biologic medication to treat patients with food allergy, omalizumab! In first part…

AllergyTalk podcast features OUtMATCH study
Read the full articleThe FDA announced its approval of omalizumab as the first biologic medication to treat patients with food allergy.… As the College previously reported, on Feb. 16, the FDA announced its approval of omalizumab as the first biologic medication to treat patients with food allergy.…

Practice Parameters
Read the full articlePractice Parameters are developed by the Joint Taskforce on Practice Parameters and establish guidelines for diagnosis and management of allergic… Practice Parameters are developed by the Joint Taskforce on Practice Parameters and establish guidelines for diagnosis and management of allergic and immunologic diseases. Practice Parameters…

From the desk of the EMD: The future is here!
Read the full articleArtificial intelligence outperforms pulmonologists in the interpretation of pulmonary function tests. If you did not see this article with the… Artificial intelligence outperforms pulmonologists in the interpretation of pulmonary function tests. If you did not see this article with the title above, then you should…

Coding for E&M visit and allergy testing on the same day
Read the full articleMany third-party payers insist skin tests are a part of an office visit, but this is not the case, and… ACAAI physician members often share questions and issues on DocMatter, the College’s exclusive members-only, private forum for clinical and practice management discussions. A recent…

2024 Call for State Delegates and Regional Super Delegates
Read the full articleThere is still time to be a part of the College’s House of Delegates! We’re looking for State and Super… There is still time to be a part of the College’s House of Delegates (HOD)! The HOD works closely with the College’s national Advocacy…

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