Are chronic hives treated differently than acute hives?
Read the full articleEssentially what happens with acute hives is you get exposed to the allergen, you have hives, you take the allergen… Allergist Pooja Patel, MD: Chronic hives are treated a little bit differently than acute hives. So, acute hives, you're looking for the cause of…

What should I know about Xolair for food allergies?
Read the full articleXolair essentially targets the allergic antibody and when it does that, it essentially makes your allergy cells less reactive.… Allergist Jay Lieberman, MD: Xolair, it was just approved for food allergies by the FDA in February of 2024. So what it is is an…

Why has ACAAI launched a Payer Education Campaign?
Read the full articleBurdensome and unreasonable requests from patients’ insurance companies for documentation regarding allergy immunotherapy services have threatened the ability of allergists/immunologists… Burdensome and unreasonable requests from patients’ insurance companies for documentation regarding allergy immunotherapy services have threatened the ability of allergists/immunologists to administer allergen immunotherapy (AIT).…

Asthma 101
Read the full articleWhat is asthma? How do I treat it? Start your journey here.… What Is Asthma? Soccer star David Beckham. Actress Jessica Alba. Singer Billy Joel. What do these celebrities have in common? They all have asthma – a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing…

Chronic Illnesses Such as Asthma and Allergies Have Psychological Impacts
Read the full articleARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (May 7, 2025) – People who have struggled with asthma or allergies for years understand the psychological… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (May 7, 2025) – People who have struggled with asthma or allergies for years understand the psychological toll of these conditions. The…

How are eye allergies different than nasal allergies?
Read the full articleEye allergy symptoms can present because of tree pollen, grasses, ragweed, or even year-round allergies like dust mites and… Allergist Sonali Majmudar, MD: Obviously, eye allergies present more in your eyes and nasal allergy symptoms are more in your nose. Eye allergy symptoms include…

Asthma Symptoms Are Complicated, Especially When Triggered by Allergies
Read the full articleFor those with allergic asthma, allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold trigger the inflammation that causes… FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (April 15 , 2025) – Did you know about 24 million people in the United States have asthma, representing roughly 8%…

Asthma Symptoms Are Complicated, Especially When Triggered by Allergies
Read the full articleMany people with uncontrolled allergic asthma don’t realize help is available to better manage symptoms… Many people with uncontrolled allergic asthma don’t realize help is available to better manage symptoms …

Anaphylaxis
Read the full articleAnaphylaxis is a rare but severe allergic reaction. It can occur suddenly, can worsen quickly and can be deadly.… Overview In most cases, people with allergies develop mild to moderate symptoms, such as watery eyes, a runny nose or a rash. But sometimes, exposure to…

What should people know about Neffy?
Read the full articleNeffy® has been approved by the FDA as the first and only needle-free alternative to treat severe allergic reactions.… Allergist Zachary Rubin, MD: I am so excited that Neffy® has been approved by the FDA as the first and only needle-free alternative to treat…

Will my allergies ever go away completely?
Read the full articleTesting would be involved to see exactly what are you allergic to? And with that, you could get into individualized… Allergist Jennifer Shih, MD: Your allergies never technically fully go away, but a board-certified allergist could help you tamper down some of those symptoms.…

Testing & Diagnosis
Read the full articleThe first step in managing your asthma is getting an accurate diagnosis.… Supported by: Overview Asthma doesn’t have to hold you back. Just ask Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Not only did the Olympian win three gold medals between 1988 and 1992, she also set five world records…

Understanding FeNO Testing for Asthma
Read the full articleWhat is FeNO? FeNO stands for Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide. It is a test that helps doctors learn more about… What is FeNO?FeNO stands for Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide. It is a test that helps doctors learn more about your asthma. When you breathe out,…

Spring Cleaning: Spruce up Your House While Toning Down Allergies
Read the full articleEven the cleanest of houses can use spring cleaning to start fresh and get rid of allergens that have built… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (March 6, 2025) – If you think only grannies stand ready with dust rags in preparation for spring cleaning, think again. Cleaning…

Asthma Symptoms
Read the full articleAsthma symptoms may be triggered by exposure to an allergen, irritants in the air, or extreme weather conditions.… Overview In the United States, asthma affects more than 24 million people — many of whom may not be aware that they have it, especially if their…

Do You Need An Allergist?
Read the full articleIt’s time to take control of your allergies and start enjoying life again. It’s time to find an allergist.… What does an allergist treat? Allergists are specially trained to treat asthma and all types of allergies, including seasonal, food, dust and pet allergies. Allergists…

My child gets sick a lot, should they see an immunologist?
Read the full articleWhen to really consider an immune evaluation, seeing an immunologist, would be for severe infections, especially recurrent severe infections.… Allergist Melissa Rathkopf, MD: It's a really good question and one we're getting a lot from parents lately, especially post COVID pandemic, is we're seeing…

Pet Allergies
Read the full articleIf your nose runs, your eyes water or you start sneezing and wheezing after petting or playing with a dog… OverviewA pet allergy can contribute to constant allergy symptoms, as exposure can occur at work, school, day care or in other indoor environments, even if…

Nothing to Sneeze at: Expert Tips on Coping with Spring Allergies
Read the full articleIf your first signs of spring are itchy eyes, wheezing, sneezing and/or congestion, learn more about how to handle seasonal… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (February 18, 2025) - Spring is just around the corner — and so are those annoying spring allergy symptoms. If your first…

Adiós a los estornudos. Consejos para enfrentar las alergias primaverales
Read the full articleSi conoce los alérgenos que desencadenan sus síntomas, querrá comenzar a limitar el contacto con tiempo suficiente.… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (18 de febrero de 2025) – LLa primavera está a la vuelta de la esquina, como también lo están los molestos síntomas de la alergia…

Issue with federal BCBS coverage of Xolair for IgE-mediated food allergy
Read the full articleReports from members indicate that the FEP is denying coverage for Xolair unless the patient demonstrates confirmed allergies to peanuts… The College has recently been alerted to an ongoing prior authorization policy implemented by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) for…

Claim denials for CPT code 95165 are growing
Read the full articleThese requirements can significantly impact allergy practices that rely on preparing customized, multi-dose vials in advance.… Allergists are seeing a growing number of claim denials for CPT code 95165 - professional services for supervising the preparation and provision of antigens for allergen immunotherapy -…

Know the difference between build-up and dilution of allergy extracts
Read the full articleAll seven MACs have now agreed in writing to cover the build-up phase of allergy extract preparation and administration.… To understand Medicare coverage for allergy immunotherapy, it is important to clarify the distinction between the build-up phase and dilutions of allergy extracts, as well…

Changes are coming to Cigna’s code review policies
Read the full articleThese strategies by payers create administrative burdens that divert allergists' resources to administrative tasks instead of patient care.… Changes are coming to Cigna’s code review policy practices, and these changes will impact allergists. Cigna Healthcare will begin downcoding certain high-level evaluation and management (E/M)…

College seeks clarification on Cigna downcoding pause
Read the full articleWe continue to encourage physicians and medical groups to voice their concerns until Cigna’s the policy is formally withdrawn.… Due to a lack of transparency, medical organizations are unclear if the recently announced CIGNA pause on downcoding applies to California only or to the…

Women in Allergy Committee
Read the full articleThe Women in Allergy Committee promotes involvement and adequate representation of female allergists in the College’s activities, committees and… The Women in Allergy Committee promotes involvement and adequate representation of female allergists in the College’s activities, committees and leadership. The committee works to provide…

Recent ACAAI leadership decisions
Read the full articleThe following are some of the key actions taken by the ACAAI Board of Regents and Executive Committee at recent… The following are some of the key actions taken by the ACAAI Board of Regents and Executive Committee at recent meetings. Ratified the decision…

We're defending and empowering allergists
Read the full articleThe ACAAI is the only allergy organization backed by Washington-based experts and consultants whose primary focus is allergy/immunology.… State and federal advocacy have been at the core of the College for more than 50 years. What began with the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma…

The Allergists’ Foundation Community Grant Program
Read the full articleThe Allergists’ Foundation is focusing its programming on empowering community practicing allergists on the front lines of patient care. We… The Allergists' Foundation is focusing its programming on empowering community practicing allergists on the front lines of patient care. We are funding innovative projects that address barriers…

Spotlight on the Program Directors Committee
Read the full articleThe Training Program Directors Committee oversees the College’s SPARK Program, a vital effort to cultivate new physicians for our… The Training Program Directors (TPD) Committee oversees the College’s SPARK Program, a vital effort to cultivate a pipeline of new physicians for our specialty. The…

Insights on the next ACAAI strategic plan
Read the full articleACAAI Executive Medical Director Dr. Todd Mahr shares his thoughts on the role of committees in our strategic planning… As the College develops its 2027 – 2029 strategic plan, committee input is vital. ACAAI Executive Medical Director Dr. Todd Mahr shares his thoughts on…

Committee voices needed
Read the full articleThe College is developing its next three year strategic plan, which will guide our work from 2027 through 2029.… The College is developing its next three‑year strategic plan, which will guide our work from 2027 through 2029. This plan will serve as a roadmap…

The new era of health AI: what allergists need to know
Read the full articleFor the first time, large scale AI platforms are being built explicitly for health care delivery rather than adapted from… By: Fatima Khan, MD, FACAAI, Chair of AI and Technology Subcommittee The past few months have marked a turning point in the evolution of…

AllergyTalk is now a vodcast
Read the full articleYou’ve heard their voices and trusted their expertise. Now it’s time to see the conversation unfold in the first video… You’ve heard their voices and trusted their expertise. You’ve listened to their professional insights and perspectives. Now it’s time to see the conversation unfold…

PowerPoint slides: Penicillin Allergy Identification and Delabeling for PCPs
in Penicillin | Resource Type: PPTRead the full articleOur downloadable set of PowerPoint slides educates PCPs about low-risk penicillin allergy delabeling in their clinic – and when to… Our downloadable set of PowerPoint slides educates PCPs about low-risk penicillin allergy delabeling in their clinic – and when to refer to an allergist.…

Talking points on penicillin allergy - useful for media interviews
in Penicillin | Resource Type: PDFRead the full articleIt’s important to know that up to 90% of people aren’t actually allergic to penicillin. Here are some facts you… It’s important to know that up to 90% of people aren’t actually allergic to penicillin. Here are some facts you should know about penicillin allergy.…

Penicillin Toolkit
Read the full articleFind everything you need for penicillin allergy testing, including materials for patients and the media.… As an allergist, you know the facts about penicillin allergy and have information your patients and primary care physicians (PCPs) may not have. This toolkit is designed to help…

College advocates for asthma APM
Read the full articleThe meeting's purpose was to discuss the status of APMs recommended to CMMI by the HHS Physician Focused Payment Model… Last July, the College joined American Medical Association (AMA) President-elect Jack Resneck, Jr., MD, and a few other specialty society physician leaders in a…

Staff
Read the full articleRick Slawny Executive Director Kevin Bragaw Chief Financial Officer Laurie Novoryta Director of Education Gina Seegers Director of Meetings &… Rick Slawny Executive Director Kevin Bragaw Chief Financial Officer Laurie Novoryta Director of Education Gina Seegers Director of Meetings & Conventions Gina Steiner Director…

Read about atopic dermatitis and itch this month
Read the full articleIt is a timely topic as most of the USA is dealing with very cold weather and dry conditions, and… The current issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology focuses on atopic dermatitis and itch. It is a timely topic as most of…

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