Louisiana Medicaid: Allergy testing and immunotherapy policy updates

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) updated the allergy testing and allergen immunotherapy policy effective July 27, 2022. 

Update
Coverage now includes allergy testing and allergen immunotherapy relating to hypersensitivity disorders manifested by generalized systemic reactions, and by localized reactions in any organ system of the body.

Covered allergy services include:

• In vitro specific IgE tests
• Intracutaneous (intradermal) skin tests
• Percutaneous skin tests
• Ingestion challenge testing
• Allergen immunotherapy

Allergy testing 
Allergy testing will be covered for members who have symptoms of allergic disease, such as:

• Respiratory symptoms
• Skin symptoms
• Other symptoms that consistently follow a particular exposure, not including local reactions after an insect sting or bite

Allergen immunotherapy
Allergen immunotherapy will be covered at the following doses every calendar year:

• A minimum of 180 doses every calendar year, per enrollee, for supervision of preparation and provision of antigens other than stinging or biting insects
• A minimum of 52 doses every calendar year, per enrollee, for supervision of preparation and provision of antigens related to stinging or biting insects

Additional doses exceeding the listed quantities may be covered if deemed medically necessary. Please be aware of this policy change when treating patients and filing claims. Visit UHCprovider.com/claims for more information about our claims process.

Questions?
For answers to specific coverage or claims questions, call Provider Services at 866-675-1607, 7 a.m.– 7 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday. LDH also offers provider resources.

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