Physician FAQ
Here's a list of the most frequently asked
questions from physicians
What is IBS-80?
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IBS-80 is a series of 8 patch test panels. The 10 wells on each panel are pre-populated with type 4 food allergens, compounded for the purposes of patch testing.
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What in-office preparation is needed for the patches?
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None. The patches are ready to go. You simply remove the plastic backing from the panels prior to application. Absolutely no need for labor-intensive preparation by office staff.
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​Has skin patch testing previously been used as a screening tool for food allergies in IBS?
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IBS-80 is patented and is the first and only patch test used for this purpose. IBS-80 is based on recent clinical studies (Study 1, Study 2, Study 3) performed by Michael Stierstorfer, M.D., and colleagues.
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How are foods selected for the testing?
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Over a twelve year period, we have carefully tailored the 80 foods used for the testing. The foods were selected from foods that are known to cause allergic contact dermatitis (type 4 allergies) in the skin, as reported in the medical literature. The selection process was further refined based on the results from three clinical studies (Study 1, Study 2, Study 3). All the foods are safe to eat as typically encountered in the food supply.
Can the patient be tested if known to have food allergies?
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On your prescription, list any known food or food additive allergies reported by your patient - they will be excluded from the patch test panels during preparation. If allergies are not known until after receiving the patches, you can cut out the wells containing the specific foods to which the patient is allergic from the panels. It is easiest to cut out these wells before removing the plastic backing from the patch test panel.
How do the foods used for IBS testing differ from the foods typically tested for by prick and scratch skin testing and RAST blood testing?
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Skin prick testing and RAST blood testing search for type 1 allergies, which involve IgE antibodies and histamine. Type 1 allergies cause hives and anaphylaxis and are caused by foods such as peanuts and shellfish. Foods that cause type 1 allergies typically are different from foods that cause type 4 allergies. Over the years, type 1 allergy testing has been found generally not helpful in evaluating IBS.
Who should not participate in this testing?
Patients should not participate if they:
1. are pregnant
2. have a severe rash
3. have a known severe allergy to adhesive tape
4. have received by injection or by mouth any cortisone-containing or other immunosuppressive medications (Prednisone 10 mg or less per day is okay within the week before the testing) or plan to do so during the testing
5. have applied any topical corticosteroids to the back within two weeks before testing
6. received more than minimal sun exposure on the areas of skin to be used for testing within four weeks before testing
Note: Antihistamines will not interfere with the testing
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Order Fulfillment and Logistics
How Do I Order the IBS-80 Patch Test?
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and complete the prescription form in your patient’s name and fax it to our pharmacist using the fax number on the form. Alternatively, you may call the pharmacy to place the order. The IBS-80 Patch Test consists of all 80 compounded type 4 food allergens pre-populated on the patch test panels and ready for use.
How soon should the patches be used?
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Upon receipt, store the patches under refrigeration until the morning of use. Apply patches to the patient within ten days of receipt by your office.
What quality control processes are in place?
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Our pharmacist complies with all quality assurance requirements of the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacists.
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How quickly can I expect to receive my order?
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All orders will ship via priority mail approximately 10 days prior to the scheduled appointment. The patches should be refrigerated upon arrival and used within ten days. The pharmacist must receive your patient-named prescription via fax or telephone at least ten days in advance of the scheduled date of application on the patient.
What is the cost of IBS-80?
The cost of IBS-80 is $275, which includes free priority USPS shipping. Some providers ask patients to pay for the patch test materials or provide credit card information when ordered, in advance of the actual testing.
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Does healthcare insurance cover IBS-80?
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Some insurers cover the testing and others do not. Prior to scheduling, you may use the following codes to check with the patient’s insurer about coverage. For IBS, typically diagnosis code K58.9 (IBS) and procedure code 95044 (patch testing) are used for billing, with the number of units being 80. You determine the fee per unit (i.e., for each of the 80 food allergens).
Can an order be expedited?
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Yes, for an additional fee. Call or email our pharmacy staff for all expedited order requests.
About Us
Michael Stierstorfer, M.D.
Michael Stierstorfer, M.D., the developer of IBS-80, is a board-certified and practicing dermatologist and the pioneer of the usefulness of food patch testing for IBS and IBS-like symptoms. He specializes in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology and serves as a consultant for The Compounding Pharmacist, West Chester, PA. Dr. Stierstorfer graduated with honors from Franklin & Marshall College and Temple University School of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine internship and Dermatology residency at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where he supervises dermatology residents in training and was awarded a Faculty Teaching Award in 2008. He is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery, and Philadelphia Dermatological Society and has been named a Philadelphia magazine Top DoctorsTM winner in Dermatology in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. He has been published in a number of peer-reviewed dermatology journals, is a clinical investigator independently and for the University of Pennsylvania, and participates in the Major League Baseball Skin Cancer Screening and Awareness Program.
Dr. Stierstorfer’s IBS-80 center is located at:
311 N. Sumneytown Pike, Suite 1D
North Wales, PA 19454
If you would like to be tested by Dr. Stierstorfer, call 215-557-7430 for an appointment.
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Clifford Bassett, M.D., FACAAI, FAAAAI
Chief Allergy Consultant
Clifford W. Bassett, M.D., FACAAI, FAAAAI, is the founder and medical director of Allergy & Asthma Care of New York and author of “The New Allergy Solution” published by Penguin Random House in 2017. Dr. Bassett is a clinical assistant professor of medicine at New York University School of Medicine and on the teaching faculty at Weill Cornell Medical College. Designated a Top Doctor by both U.S. News and World Report’s, Castle Connolly and their annual New York Magazine Best Doctor Issue. Dr. Bassett is featured regularly by national television, radio, and print media outlets including CBS This Morning, Today, Good Morning America, Fox News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, Sirius XM Radio, NPR, The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and The New York Times. Dr. Bassett is an expert on seasonal and indoor allergies, sinusitis, allergic skin disorders, and offers an informed integrative and whole-body approach to allergy prevention and management.
Dr. Bassett has three offices in New York City. If you would like to be tested by Dr. Bassett, call 212-964-1295 for an appointment.
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David Blatte, Esq.
David Blatte, Esq., is an attorney and the CEO and business manager of IBS-80, LLC. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, he practiced in a number of legal specialties, including criminal defense, legal malpractice, and the emergent field of animal law.
Mr. Blatte has extensive experience with the formation and development of nonprofit
organizations.
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Kevin M. Hennessey, PharmD
Kevin Hennessy, PharmD, is a member of the Pennsylvania Pharmacist Association and the Professional Compounding Centers of America, and he is an extended faculty member of the University of the Sciences.