Please be advised that UnitedHealthcare / Oxford (UHC) implemented national policy changes beginning in 2024 that include the denial and/or capping of reimbursement for allergy extract preparation charges billed under CPT code 95165 for patients receiving allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots). These changes may directly affect your ability to start or continue allergy shots anywhere in the country. 

At this time, we are not aware of similar reimbursement restrictions being applied by other insurance carriers. However, UHC is also currently engaged in regional contract disputes and negotiations with several major healthcare systems, including Stamford Hospital, Hartford HealthCare, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. According to publicly available financial disclosures, UnitedHealthcare reported $34.4 billion in earnings through the first three quarters of the current fiscal year, with a net margin over 6%,and revenues have grown by $12.3 billion dollars year over year. 

Over the past year, our practice has made repeated and sustained efforts to address and resolve this matter directly with UHC. Despite these efforts, the reimbursement limitations remain in effect. We want to assure our patients that we will continue to advocate on your behalf and pursue appropriate reimbursement for charges that may be denied or deemed uncovered under your individual insurance plan.

We respectfully encourage affected patients to contact UHC Member Services directly at 1-800-493-4647, TTY 711 to express concerns regarding coverage limitations related to allergen immunotherapy services. Patient feedback can play an important role in prompting review and reconsideration of coverage policies.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we continue to work toward a resolution and remain committed to providing high-quality, medical care.

Millions of Americans are allergic to household pets. Allergy sufferers may experience sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, runny nose and/or congestion, wheezing or hives when they encounter pets. Prolonged exposure when allergic can lead to chronic symptoms. Some experience symptoms from dander on clothes or furniture even when the animal is no longer present.

Unsure if you’re allergic?

Schedule an appointment today to accurately identify your allergies and and create a personalized plan to manage your symptoms based on severity.

Considering a pet?

Contrary to popular opinion, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic pet. Even hairless dogs can worsen allergies! Pet hair is not the culprit.  Instead, allergies are caused by a protein found in pet dander, saliva and urine.

Dogs produce less dander when low-shedding and/or smaller in size. Dogs that groom themselves less often based on their coat type also produce lower levels of dander.  This includes breeds such as Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog. It is important to note that individual response may vary, and no breed is truly hypoallergenic.

Cats produce significant amounts of dander regardless of breed. Fel d 1 is the major (but not only) cat allergen. It may vary somewhat by breed, but all cats produce Fel d 1.  There is ongoing research to significantly lower Fel d 1 in domestic cats using genomic editing. These cats are not yet commercially available.

There is no guarantee that someone allergic to pets will tolerate living with a dog or cat. Those interested in adding an animal to their home should spend time with specific breeds prior to adopting. Consider a trial run with a pet via fostering or volunteering.  Allergy immunotherapy should also be considered prior to adding a pet to the home.

Neffy (Intranasal Epinephrine) – Information Summary

Neffy has been approved for the treatment of anaphylactic reactions in patients weighing 33 pounds (15 kg) or more. It is administered as a single-dose nasal spray.

Clinical Information:

Initial approval studies were conducted in healthy volunteers.

A subsequent report including over 500 patients who used Neffy during episodes of anaphylaxis demonstrated a response rate comparable to EpiPen (approximately 90%).

Neffy produces similar increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood epinephrine levels as injectable formulations.

Efficacy may be reduced in patients with nasal conditions such as polyps or structural abnormalities.

Storage and Stability:

Shelf life: 2 years (longer than EpiPen)

Temperature stability: up to 120°F (49°C)

Insurance and Authorization:

Neffy may not be covered by insurance.

Due to the availability of injectable epinephrine alternatives, prior authorization will not be provided at this time.