ACAAI Roundtable on Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergy
Read the full articleProceedings and Recommendations Both atopic dermatitis and food allergy represent allergic conditions that are more prevalent and severe among people… Proceedings and Recommendations Both atopic dermatitis and food allergy represent allergic conditions that are more prevalent and severe among people of color than previously recognized,…

Survey of Allergists/Immunologists Reveals Management of Hereditary Angioedema Differs by Region
Read the full articleHereditary Angioedema (HAE) is caused by a genetic mutation, and there are different types. It is a hereditary disease.… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (April 5, 2023) – Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a disease that, due to its rare nature, can pose difficulties for both patients and…

For Allergy and Asthma Sufferers, Climate Change Means Worse Symptoms and Harsher Season
Read the full articleExperts from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) caution that pollen season is starting earlier and lasting… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (April 11, 2023) – If you suffer from asthma or nasal allergies, you’ve probably noticed pollen season getting worse, and negatively affecting…

COVID-19, Asthma and Allergies
Read the full articleFind out what you need to know as an allergy or asthma patient.… Overview Updated June 22, 2022 As COVID-19 continues to impact people across the United States and the world, allergists hear concerns from their patients – those with allergies and especially those suffering…

Controlling Your Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Read the full articleWhat's the best treatment for your eczema? Use this online tool to explore your options, and take your results to… Note: The information and materials here are intended solely for the general information of the reader. They are not to be used for treatment purposes,…

Help Your Child or Teenager Control Their Severe Asthma
Read the full articleWhat's the best treatment for your child's severe asthma? Use this online tool to explore your options, and take your… Note: The information and materials here are intended solely for the general information of the reader. They are not to be used for treatment purposes,…

Four Years After Release of Guidelines, Parents Still Not Informed About Early Peanut Introduction
Read the full articleStudy shows only 40% of parents were advised to introduce peanut to their infant during first year of life NEW ORLEANS (November 5, 2021) – In 2017, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) released guidelines to help parents introduce peanut products…

El aumento de la frecuencia de comer huevos en el primer año de vida se asocia con menos probabilidades de tener alergia al huevo más adelante
Read the full articleUn estudio muestra que los niños que no tuvieron una incorporación de huevo en el primer año tenían más probabilidades de sufrir alergia al huevo a los 6 años NUEVA ORLEANS (5 de noviembre de 2021). Desde 2017, los alergólogos y los pediatras recomiendan…

Increased Frequency of Eating Eggs in Infancy Associated with Decreased Egg Allergy Later On
Read the full articleStudy shows children not introduced to egg at one year were more likely to have egg allergy at 6 years NEW ORLEANS (November 5, 2021) – Allergists and pediatricians have recommended since 2017 that parents start to introduce peanut product around the time their…

Despite Climate Change, Kids with Asthma in Los Angeles Didn’t Have an Increase in Allergy Diagnoses
Read the full articleStudy showed no increase in allergic sensitization over 15 years, in more than 5,000 kids with asthma NEW ORLEANS (November 5, 2021) – Studies have shown that climate change has been partly responsible for longer growing seasons and larger pollen loads, leading to speculation…

Las mujeres embarazadas con etiqueta de alergia a la penicilina deberían evaluar su alergia para reducir la exposición a antibióticos
Read the full articleUn estudio muestra que la prueba de alergia a la penicilina durante el embarazo puede ayudar a evitar enfermedades producidas por infecciones en bebés NUEVA ORLEANS (5 de noviembre de 2021). Es bien sabido que 9 de cada 10 estadounidenses que creen ser alérgicos…

Pregnant Women with Penicillin Allergy Label Should be Tested to Reduce Antibiotic Exposure
Read the full articleStudy shows penicillin allergy testing during pregnancy may help avoid infant illness from infection NEW ORLEANS (November 5, 2021) – It’s well known that 9 of 10 Americans who believe they are allergic to penicillin are not allergic. It’s also known that broad…

Mark Corbett es designado como presidente del ACAAI
Read the full articleKathleen May fue elegida presidenta electa NUEVA ORLEANS (8 de noviembre de 2021). El alergista Mark Corbett, MD, de Louisville, KY, fue designado como presidente del Colegio Americano de Alergia, Asma e Inmunología (ACAAI) en la Reunión científica anual del ACAAI el 8 de…

Expert tips for managing asthma and allergies during the holidays
Read the full articleARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 11, 2021) (BPT) – What’s in those delicious holiday cookies? How come it’s hard to breathe… ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 11, 2021) (BPT) - What's in those delicious holiday cookies? How come it's hard to breathe while decking the halls? Is…

How to Plan a Holiday Season Free of COVID, Allergies and Asthma
Read the full articleA little advance planning goes a long way to keeping everyone safe and healthy ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 23, 2021)… A little advance planning goes a long way to keeping everyone safe and healthy ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (November 23, 2021) – Lots of people are…

Better Identification of Sesame in Food Packaging Needed to Avoid Anaphylaxis
Read the full articleStudy shows more than 50% of products did not declare sesame on the label ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (December 15, 2021) – In 2021, the US Congress passed the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education & Research Act which, among other things, added sesame to the…

Keeping Allergy and Asthma Symptoms Under Control in the New Year
Read the full articleDon’t say “resolutions” – just assign yourself a few tasks ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (December 17, 2021) – New Year’s resolutions can feel overwhelming, and guilt-inducing if you can’t keep them. This year, why not assign yourself a few tasks to keep your…

Keep COVID-19 Precautions, Along with Romance, on Your Radar on Valentine’s Day
Read the full articleShow your love by helping your sweetie prevent allergy and asthma flares ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (January 18, 2022) – It all feels eerily familiar. A Valentine’s Day that will involve helping to keep our sweethearts safe from COVID-19, and for those with allergies…

What Allergists Want You to Know About the 2022 Spring Allergy Season
Read the full articleARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (February 22, 2022) – Spring allergies are a tale as old as time – but the ferocity with which they land can sometimes pack a surprise punch for those who suffer with allergy symptoms. “People still have Covid on their minds,”…

Advocacy Council fights for you on Capitol Hill
Read the full articleMembers of the ACAAI Advocacy Council were on Capitol Hill fighting for issues important to allergy practices last week.… Members of the ACAAI Advocacy Council were on Capitol Hill fighting for issues important to allergy practices last week. The delegation included ACAAI Treasurer Dr.…

Can I bill Medicare for controls for allergy testing?
Read the full articleThe Advocacy Council received a query on "Can I bill Medicare for negative and positive (histamine) controls for allergy… The Advocacy Council regularly receives queries from members on how to correctly code specific scenarios. Recently we received a request asking: Question: Can I bill…

New - UpToDate Pro Plus
Read the full articlePlease note, this promotion is not available through the society store and can only be redeemed via the regular UpToDate… Many College members enjoy the discounted subscription to UpToDate®, the clinical decision support resource that medical trainees and physicians trust for reliable clinical answers. Our…

New proposed Medicare drug pricing models are unveiled
Read the full articleThe College emphasizes that while fair pricing is essential, policies mustn't compromise drug availability or stifle research into new… Last December the Trump administration unveiled two proposed rules designed to curb rising drug costs under Medicare Parts B and D, extending the Most Favored…

Adhering to USP 797 standards for in-office extract preparation
Read the full articleCompounding guidelines ensure patient safety by minimizing contamination, incorrect dosing, or other errors during sterile preparation.… Physicians who mix allergy immunotherapy injections in their offices must still comply with USP 797 standards to remain in full compliance with state and federal regulations. These pharmaceutical…

Understanding the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule
Read the full articleThis article outlines important payment and policy changes that will shape reimbursement and practice operations for allergists in the coming… On Nov. 5, 2025, CMS released a final rule updating the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2026. This article outlines important payment and policy…

College OIT Coding Recommendations
Read the full articleAlways verify individual payer policies in writing before initiating OIT services, as coverage and accepted codes vary widely.… Inquiries regarding the use of CPT 95180 (rapid desensitization procedure) for food oral immunotherapy (OIT), including peanut OIT (Palforzia®) and food-based protocols, have recently been submitted…

Medicare denials for immunotherapy injections with venom immunotherapy
Read the full articleThis issue began appearing last fall, affecting multiple Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs). Denials typically cite reason code CO-50.… Recent changes associated with the implementation of new Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) and billing articles for allergen immunotherapy have inadvertently led to systematic denials of claims…

Food allergy testing guidance and coding
Read the full articleThe cornerstone of effective food allergy diagnosis is a thorough clinical history.… Common queries on food allergy testing As we wrap up another year of groundbreaking advances in allergy and immunology, the College has noted a surge in inquiries from fellow allergists about food…

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…

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…

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…

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