How To Use CPT Code 95180

CPT 95180 describes a rapid desensitization procedure that is performed by a physician to develop a patient’s tolerance to a substance they are allergic to. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 95180?

CPT 95180 can be used to describe a rapid desensitization procedure performed by a physician. This procedure involves administering increasing dosages of a substance that causes an allergic reaction in the patient. The goal is to desensitize the patient and develop their tolerance to the substance.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 95180 is: ‘Rapid desensitization procedure, each hour (eg, insulin, penicillin, equine serum).’ This code is used to report the time spent performing a rapid desensitization procedure to medications or substances that the patient is allergic to.

3. Procedure

1. The physician administers increasing dosages of the patient’s allergic substance to desensitize them and develop their tolerance to the substance.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 95180 is used when a patient has a known sensitivity to a substance that is essential to their treatment. The procedure is performed by a physician and involves rapid desensitization to medications or substances such as insulin, penicillin, or equine serum.

5. When to use CPT code 95180

CPT code 95180 should be used when a physician performs a rapid desensitization procedure to develop a patient’s tolerance to a substance they are allergic to. It is important to note that this code should only be used when the desensitization procedure is necessary for the patient’s treatment.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 95180, the physician must document the following information:

• The substance to which the patient is allergic
• The dosages administered during the rapid desensitization procedure
• The duration of each hour spent performing the procedure
• The patient’s response to the procedure
• Any adverse reactions or complications that occur during the procedure
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 95180, ensure that the procedure is performed by a physician and that the time spent performing the procedure is documented in hours. This code should not be reported with other codes for desensitization procedures. It is important to use the appropriate place-of-service code based on where the procedure is performed.

8. Historical information

CPT 95180 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A physician performing a rapid desensitization procedure to develop a patient’s tolerance to insulin.
2. A physician administering increasing dosages of penicillin to desensitize a patient and develop their tolerance to the antibiotic.
3. A physician performing a rapid desensitization procedure to develop a patient’s tolerance to equine serum.
4. A physician administering increasing dosages of a substance to desensitize a patient and develop their tolerance to a specific allergen.
5. A physician performing a rapid desensitization procedure to develop a patient’s tolerance to a medication necessary for their treatment.
6. A physician administering increasing dosages of a substance to desensitize a patient and reduce their allergic reactions.
7. A physician performing a rapid desensitization procedure to develop a patient’s tolerance to a substance they are allergic to.
8. A physician administering increasing dosages of a medication to desensitize a patient and improve their tolerance to the drug.
9. A physician performing a rapid desensitization procedure to develop a patient’s tolerance to a specific allergen.
10. A physician administering increasing dosages of a substance to desensitize a patient and reduce their sensitivity to the allergen.