Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)
You should always consult with an Allergist before beginning a program of allergy shots. Allergists are specially trained to develop a customized formula for each patient.
Am I a candidate for immunotherapy?
It is often impossible to avoid the allergens that can cause allergy symptoms and medications don't always provide enough relief. Immunotherapy, or allergy shots may provide the long-term relief that allergy sufferers are looking for and significantly improve quality of life. Research has clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of immunotherapy for both allergies and asthma.
How do allergy shots work?
Allergy shots increase the body's tolerance to those things to which the patient is allergic, such as pollens, animal danders, dust, mites, and molds.
Our immune systems can mistake harmless substances such as animal danders, mold spores, dust mites, or pollens as dangerous and release chemicals into our bodies. These chemicals create symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. More serious symptoms like swelling of the throat, coughing or wheezing can also occur. Allergy shots increase your tolerance to the " harmful allergens" and suppress the underlying response to the allergic triggers.
How often do I receive these injections?
Allergy shots are given weekly for the first 4-6 months while the dose is slowly increased. Once the patient has reached his or her maintenance dose the frequency becomes every other week if the patient can tolerate going 2 weeks. Consistency is important.
Can I have a reaction to my allergy shots?
Yes, although it is rare to have a severe reaction. We require our patients to remain in our office for 20- 30 minutes after every allergy injection. Most allergic reactions will occur within 30 minutes after an exposure. Our medical staff is specially trained to manage an allergic reaction if it were to occur. Continuing on your anti-histamine will help with any local swelling or redness at the injection site.
This will be discussed thoroughly with you if you and your physician decide that allergy shots are appropriate for you.
How much do allergy shots cost?
Before you begin immunotherapy, here are a few things you should know:
1.) We recommend you call your insurance company to verify what your coverage will be for immunotherapy
2.) When you call your insurance company, please give them the following billing codes (cpt codes).
3.) The initial extract will be made prior to your injection visit.
The initial set will be billed using billing code #95165.
Extract for allergy immunotherapy – 95165
1 injection for allergy immunotherapy – 95115
2 or more injections for allergy immunotherapy – 95117
When you come in for your injections we will only be billing for the injection. If you only receive 1 shot, we will bill using billing code #95115. If you receive 2 or more shots, we will bill using billing code #95117.
With the information provided above, your insurance company should be able to tell you what your co-pay or co-insurance will be for your extracts and for your injections.
If you have any questions regarding the billing information provided, please call our billing department at (330) 759-3415, or email myallergycenter@gmail.com
Injection Hours
Our allergy injection clinic is walk-in and on a first -come first- served basis. Click the injection hours at our offices. You can call our injection line @ (330) 759-3415 to get updates regarding closings for holidays, weather etc. Please check in 1 hour prior to the end of injection times if you are in the building phase (2 sets of injections) with venom (bees, wasps) de-sensitization. We require our allergy and venom patients wait in the office 30 minutes after an injection. Also, we require parents to wait in our office with their children (minor is younger then 18).