This course is a model for primary care physicians wanting to learn to administer and interpret allergy tests using multiple allergy applicators, and, when indicated, initiate and carry out an immunotherapy program to completion. Application and interpretation of results will be by active, hands-on participation. This CME course will review and update the clinical factors regarding allergic, non-allergic, and mixed rhinosinusitis. It will address the relationship between rhino-sinusitis and asthma and recommend when allergy testing is indicated in this situation. Screening patients using a limited number of allergens is cost effective and should be done before testing for all allergens. Immunotherapy problems and their solutions will be presented. There will be ample time for questions.
By the end of this activity, the participant should be better able to:
- Discuss the epidemiology of allergic, non-allergic, and mixed rhinitis.
- Discuss the evaluation and treatment of each of these disorders.
- Utilize the present methods of allergy testing and the use of allergy screening.
- Safely begin an immunotherapy program and identify problems and solutions associated with immunotherapy, and how and when to discontinue.
2025 Course Accreditation
The Texas Academy of Family Physicians designates this live activity for a maximum of 8.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The AAFP has reviewed Allergy Testing and Immunotherapy for Primary Care Physicians and deemed it acceptable for AAFP credit. This session is approved for 8.00 Live AAFP Prescribed credits. Term of approval is from 09/12/2025 to 11/13/2025. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Learn more about our accreditation.
7:30 - 8 a.m.
- Registration and breakfast
8 - 10 a.m. — 2 CME credits
Starting an allergy practice
- Involve your team in planning and implementing allergy testing and immunotherapy.
- Develop patient protocols for collecting history, instructions for testing, potential risks, and appropriate treatments based on test results.
- Provide appropriate medications and equipment needed for any anaphylactic reactions.
10 - 10:15 a.m. — Break
10:15 a.m. - 12 p.m. — 1.75 CME credits
Skin prick allergy testing; In-vitro testing and advanced services (penicillin allergy testing)
- Implement the current accepted methods of allergy testing and select appropriate patients to be considered for immunotherapy.
- Discuss how different methods of allergy testing are viable methods to evaluate patients presenting with rhinitis or asthma and recognize the pros and cons on this testing.
Hands-on testing and interpretation of results (multiple applicators)
- Identify which patients are truly allergic and non-allergic.
- Utilize testing results to provide appropriate treatment.
- Select patients needing further allergy evaluation.
12 - 1 p.m. — Lunch
1 - 3 p.m. — 2 CME credits
Hands-on testing and interpretation of results (intradermal, MQT)
- Discuss how different methods of allergy testing are viable methods to evaluate patients presenting with rhinitis or asthma and recognize the pros and cons on this testing.
- Utilize testing results to provide appropriate treatment.
- Select patients needing further allergy evaluation.
Immunotherapy problems and solutions
- Discuss how immunotherapy could be a cure for some patients.
- Consider when avoidance cannot be achieved or medications fail.
- Discuss how immunotherapy can decrease the development of asthma, new allergies, and use of medications.
Mixing immunotherapy sets
- Produce an immunotherapy set that will deliver the highest tolerated dose of allergen without causing undue local or systemic reactions in patients.
- Combine significant positive allergens in solution for escalation and maintenance doses.
3 - 3:15 p.m. — Break
3:15 - 5:30 p.m. — 2 CME credits
Role of the allergy technician
- Discuss the role of an allergy nurse to help make patients feel confident in treatment, help patients feel more comfortable, answer patient’s allergy questions and stay with patients during the immunotherapy process for safety and support.
- Utilize testing results to provide appropriate treatment.
- Select patients needing further allergy evaluation.
Food allergies
- Review the most common food to cause adverse reactions and/or food intolerance in patients.
- Discuss common adverse reactions caused by food allergies, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Billing and Coding
- Appropriately code various allergy testing methods and allergy treatments to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.
TOTAL CME CREDITS: 8
