Q:  What is your method  of allergy testing ?

Our preffered method of testing is via the skin test method.  These are cheaper, quicker and more sensitive.  Once in a  while we may order blood test for alelrgies. 

Q: What can I expect during my skin test visit?
The patient will lie on their stomach and rows of antigen drops are placed on the back.  Then each drop is lightly pricked to allow the antigen to enter the skin.  The patient then has a 15 minute wait. If you are allergic to any of the items you are being tested for, you will develop itching and redness in the area of that allergen.  The testing is then measured and read on the back. Some patients may require next phase of testing which is  done on the upper arm and antigen is placed just under the skin (similar to a TB test) and the patient has another 15 minute wait.  The upper arm area is then read and all results are given to the doctor to review.  The doctor then will review all results with the patient/parent.  The most difficult part for a child is usually the need to lie still and the waiting time in between the testing steps.  We can have children get up after tests are applied.  It is helpful to bring books, handheld games etc., to help with the waiting time.

Q:  What can you test for ?

We can test for the common environemntal allergens, such as pollens from trees, grasses, weeds includign Ragweed, Dust, Dust mite, molds, cat, dog and feathers. We can also test you for common food allergens. 

Q: Do I need to take any precaustions before coming in for testing ?

Stop your antihistamines.  Depending on what you are taking you may have to stop them any where from 2 - 5 days prior to the visit.  Some of the older antihistamines need to be stopped 2-3 days before testing, whereas the newer long acting antihitamines would need to be stopped five days befor tesing.  There are certain nose sprays that need to be stopped 48 hours before testing and these are Astelin, Astepro and Patanase. Steroid nose sprays are OK.  DO NOT STOP SINGULAIR OR YOUR ASTHMA MEDICATIONS.  Do not stop any other medications.

Q; Do you submit charges to my insurance or do I have to pay at the time of service ?

We file insurance on your behalf, but you  will be responsible for any unpaid charges.  If there isa problem with the isnurance not paying on the charges, you need to call them and follow up wit them. 

Q:  How much do I need to pay at the time of visit ?

You will be responsible for copays and any deductibels at the time of service. We accept, Visa, Master Card and Discover.

Q: What insurance plans do you accept ?

We participate with most insurance plans, except medicaid plans.  Please call the office to verify if we take your insurance or you may check insurance company website.

Q: Will my insurance pay for allergy testing and or allergy shots?

All plans have different benefits.  Please check with your company for exact covered benefits.

Q: Do you charge an office visit every time we get an allergy shot?

No, shots are given by a nurse and the only time you are charged for an office visit is when you see a doctor or extender.

Q: If I desagree with what my insurance has paid, will you call them for a better explanation?

No, if you disagree with the payment, you need to call the customer service department at the number on the back of your insurance card.

Q: Do you know if a co-pay applies to my allergy shots?
 

No, please check with your insurance provider.

Q: Is there a code I can give my insurance provider to check and see if the allergy shots are covered?

Yes, please use the following: Single Injection = 95115, Multiple injections = 95117

Q: Is there a code I can give my insurance provider to see what they will pay on allergy testing? 

Yes, please use these codes: 95004 and 95024 

Q: What if I do not have my insurance information at my time of service?
You will be identified as a "self-pay" patient and will need to pay at your time of service or before you appointment you may call our business office and set up a payment plan.

Q: Do you participate with Medicaid?
No.

Q: If I need a referral will you call my primary care physician (PCP)? 
No, patients are responsible for getting their referrals before their appointment.

We welcome new patients to our practice.   Mostly we can see new patients within a week.  We offer same day appointments for non emergency new patient  visits.  Since we have multiple offices, if you are willing to go to one of our satellite offices, you could be seen the same day.  See appointment tab above for more information regarding more details

The physician will take a detailed history followed by physical examination.  Allergy testing will be done in most cases unless your medical condition requires treatment to improve your condition before performing the testing.  Patients may require Spirometry to measure  lung function.  We may  have to give you a breathing treatment if you have a possibility of having Asthma.  We may need to order x rays or  blood test, for which we would send you to an outside facility.  Physician will also go over treatment options and schedule you for a follow up visit.

We can  do  testing even on small infants although the number of tests would be very limited.    The older the child easier it is to do the testing.  Preferably three years of age or older. But as mentioned earlier, even on small infants testing can be done.

1.   Please ask for refills at the time of your visit.

2.   If you need refills before your next visit, have your pharmacy contact us.  This will avoid any potential for errors and greatly expedite the refill process.

3.   After hour refills:  Doctors are available for after hour emergencies only. Please do not call for refills after hours.