1. Discontinue antihistamines a week before your visit.
Discontinue all antihistamines for a week prior to your visit. We will probably do allergy testing at the first visit. Antihistamines interfere with test results. Antihistamines include medications such as Claritin (loratadine), Alavert, Allegra (fexofenadine), Clarinex (desloratadine), hydroxyzine, Xyzal (levocetirizine), and Zyrtec (cetirizine). Benadryl (diphenhydramine) should be discontinued 2 days prior to appointment and Singulair (montelukast) should be discontinued 1 day prior to appointment. Please note, medications such as Tylenol PM and NyQuil contain antihistamines. There are many more medications, so if you are uncertain, call us to ask before you come. DO NOT STOP your asthma, blood pressure or other medications that you take daily. Click here for a full list of medications and their stop date!
2. Paperwork must be completed online through the patient portal.
Complete the New Patient Registration Forms. You will need to present your driver’s license and insurance card when you arrive for your appointment. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
3. Bring your current medications with you.
It is also helpful if you can tell us what has been prescribed to you in the past.
4. Bring your insurance card with you.
Please bring your insurance card and, if necessary, a referral from your primary care physician Most insurance companies do not require a referral from your primary care doctor. However, if it is required by your insurance, please contact your primary care doctor a week or more in advance of your appointment to request one. Your co-payment will be collected at the time of your visit. Please note that your financial responsibilities, such as deductible and the limits of your coverage are your responsibility. Please contact your insurance company before your visit to find out exactly what is covered and your financial responsibilities. We will submit your claims to your insurance carrier for you.
5. Be prepared to spend at least 2 hours at your initial visit.
After taking your history, we will perform an exam. Allergy testing takes 15-30 minutes. Lung function testing, if necessary, can take an additional 15-30 minutes. After we have completed our testing, we will discuss a treatment plan with you before you go home.
6. Wear comfortable clothing and a short-sleeve shirt.
Allergy tests are usually performed on the arms for our adult patients and on the back for children. Allergy skin tests usually involve some itching. Reactions occur only on the skin, and usually resolve within a couple of hours. These can be easily treated with topical cream.
7. Please notify us 24 hours in advance if you cannot keep your appointment.
You will be charged a no-show fee for a missed appointment. Your courtesy makes it possible to schedule another patient who may be ill.
While we welcome children and family members to come with you on your visit, remember that you may need to be in our office for a couple of hours at your first visit.