The College’s Advocacy Council submitted comments to the chairs of the Committee of Jurisdiction opposing S. 701 – Allergy Testing Access Act of 2021 – sponsored by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS). We expressed concern that allergy blood testing could be misused as a screening test and not as a confirmatory test. This type of testing could lead to misdiagnoses, unnecessary lifestyle restrictions and increased health care spending.
We supported our position by summarizing the three key steps in the practice of allergy diagnosis:
- medical history
- physical examination by someone skilled in interpreting findings that suggest possible allergic diseases
- allergy test selection
When it comes to allergic diseases, an individual’s medical history is as important and, in many cases, more important than the results of an allergy skin and/or blood test. Medical history is the critical connection between allergy test results and allergic disease itself. Consideration of the findings of the physical examination are also very important. They can help guide and direct the appropriate testing, which can lead to a better quality of life for the patient.
In addition, we sent a separate letter to Senator Moran and his co-sponsors, expressing our concerns about the bill and requesting an opportunity to speak with him or his staff.
The Advocacy Council will keep you up to date on the progress of this issue– we have you covered!
