Frequently Asked Questions
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A. Yes, and you may bring snacks and drinks to your appointment. Due to the sensitivity of some of our food allergic patients, we ask that you wait until you are in the exam room to eat or drink anything.
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A. For the most part, the answer is yes. Antihistamines, however, can interfere with allergy testing. If you are taking Claritin, Clarinex, loratadine, Zyrtec, or Allegra, please stop taking that medicine five days prior to your appointment. Please do not take any antihistamine medication, including over-the-counter medicines, for at least 72 hours before your first visit, since antihistamines may interfere with your allergy skin test results.
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A. Yes. Singulair is advertised as an antihistamine, but it is not on the list of antihistamines to stop taking. You do not have to stop taking Singulair.
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A. Yes. Antibiotics do not interfere with testing.
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A. For most people there is little discomfort; however we do provide anesthetic for children. (see next question).
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A. A few patients experience local swelling on the upper arm from the intradermal skin testing.
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A. Please allow approximately 4-5 hours. We now offer the option of breaking up your initial exam in two appointments. Please ask for this option if it works best with you or your child's schedule. Plan on each appointment to take 2 hours if you choose this option.
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A. The initial medical examination we provide is comprehensive. Skin testing and/or asthma testing is performed, X-rays are taken (if needed), test results are discussed, and treatment recommendations are made.
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A. Yes, there are no special restrictions related to allergy testing.
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A. We have TVs with cable connection and VCRs/DVDs and toys in each room. You may also bring your child's movies or toys.
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A. We recommend comfortable clothing, including a short-sleeved shirt. If we test for asthma, we may have you perform exercise on a treadmill, so you will need appropriate walking or running footwear.
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A. No. Everyone is different; therefore, each person's testing may differ. For example, we would not perform as much testing on an infant as we would on adults.
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A. No. We routinely test patients of all ages.
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A. Yes. Please bring them with you if possible because they help our providers obtain a more complete picture of your medical history.
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A. Yes in detail, with treatment recommendations and medication instructions.
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A. Yes, but that does not mean that you are allergic. We look for reactions within the first 20 minutes of testing.
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A. Although we participate in various insurance plans, we strongly recommend that you check with your insurance company to verify coverage for allergy/asthma testing and treatment you will be receiving from us. Insurance plans vary, depending on plan types, even within the same company, and you are ultimately responsible for charges for your treatment.
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A. Charges can range from $500 to $3,000 depending upon the extent of the allergy/asthma testing. Most patients experience a charge of approximately $800-$1,500.
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A. Co-pays are expected during check-in for the visit. Billing for co-pays costs us money in terms of personnel time and effort and is the patient's responsibility at the time of service. If we have to bill for co-pays, we add a $5.00 administrative fee to the amount.
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A. Allergists who are board certified have first passed an exam of either the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) or the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Then they complete at least two additional years of study, called a fellowship, in an allergy/immunology training program. Allergists/immunologists who are board certified have passed the certifying examination of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI), following their fellowship. As a result of this extensive study and training, a board-certified allergist/immunologist is the best-qualified medical professional to manage comprehensive needs of patients with allergic disease. Studies show that patients under the care of an allergist/immunologist also make fewer visits to emergency rooms and are better able to manage their allergies and asthma on a daily basis.
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A. Our standard panel of allergens includes molds, grasses, trees, weeds, and environmental agents (dust mites, dog, cat, feathers, etc.) Food Allergies are tested on as as-needed basis.
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A. We only stock penicillin for skin testing; however, we can test for other medications and will do so an a case-by-case basis.
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A. We do perform that testing. However, we don't stock anesthetic because it isn't a common procedure; therefore, you will be asked to obtain the anesthetic from your dentist and bring it with you.
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A. We have Physician Extenders (nurse practitioners) who are capable of diagnosing and treating patients. Our physician extenders see work-in appointments and follow-up appointments when a physician is not readily available.
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A. No. Because we are a specialty office, we design our offices to accommodate our patients who receive allergy shots. You can register for your shots at a separate sign-in location, and you will be called in the order of your registration.
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A. Please contact us by telephone (423/499-4100). We will be pleased to assist.