General:

 

Expect a new visit to take up to 2 hours or a return visit to take 1 hour.  Some "challenge" or testing appointments may take more time.

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Please see the Find Us section for directions and parking details.

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Please download and complete the New Patient Registration Forms and email or fax them before the appointment or bring them with you.

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Please bring a list of all current medications and doses to your visit.  Even better if you bring them with you!  This includes inhalers, nasal sprays, epinephrine injectors, and eye drops.

 

If you must cancel your appointment, please call us as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours prior to your visit. This will help us reschedule your appointment at your convenience and make appointments for others in a timely manner. There is a $40 charge that will be applied to your account for any no-shows or cancellations with less than 24 hours notice.

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Insurance and Billing (click HERE for a summary that answers FAQs about Billing Issues)

 

• Please bring your identification and insurance card with you to every visit.

• ​IMPORTANT! Though services provided by our practice are covered by most insurance companies, it is your responsibility to verify with your insurance plan that your specific group and policy number are covered or are in network with our providers.  We are unable to verify insurance as a service to our patients at this time.  

• ​If copays are required in your insurance plan, you are expected to pay that amount at the time of the visit.

• If your insurance (ex. HMO or POS) requires you to have a written referral, you must have it faxed to us or bring it to yourappointment for the visit to begin.  Without a referral, you may be responsible for the cost of the visit.

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Skin testing:

 

For a great review of allergy testing details, check out this website: American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

 

The skin testing procedure alone may take up to 20 minutes. Results are discussed during the office visit.

 

If the provider recommends skin testing, the patient must not be taking antihistamines for at least five (5) days prior to the visit. Do not stop daily medications without the guidance of a medical practitioner or if you feel it is unsafe.

 

Antihistamines to avoid for five (5) days before skin testing include:

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• Common oral liquids or tablets (including chewable/dissolvable):  cetirizine (Zyrtec), cyproheptadine (Periactin), desloratadine (Clarinex, Aerius), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fexofenadine (Allegra), hydroxyzine (Atarax), levocetirizine (Xyzal), loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), and many over-the-counter cold medicines that may include antihistamines.

• Some gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or heartburn medicines:  cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac).

• Antihistamine nasal sprays:  azelastine (Astelin, Astepro), Dymista, Ryaltris, and olopatadine (Patanase).

• Antihistamine eye drops:  ketotifen (Zaditor, Alaway, others), olopatadine (Pazeo, Pataday, Patanol), azelastine (Optivar), epinastine, bepotastine (Bepreve), alcaftadine (Lastacaft), and a few other over-the-counter antihistamine preparations.

• Call us for advice if you are not sure if the medicine you are using should be stopped before the visit.

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​​​​​​Asthma evaluation:

 

Pulmonary function testing, a.k.a. spirometry, and Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FENO) testing may be performed for adults and children old enough to use our testing devices (usually five years and older). If breathing coordination is good, these are excellent ways to assess the respiratory status for someone experiencing breathing problems, including recurrent wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing. The spirometry results are most accurate if you have not taken a rescue inhaler within six hours of the test, but do not discontinue any necessary medications without first consulting with a practitioner.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, we may be limited in our ability to perform these tests regularly due to the need to reduce aerosols with forceful breathing techniques. 

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The Asthma Control Test (ACT) is a survey tool that assesses control of regular respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Adults or youth 12 years and older take one version of the test, and parents can help children 4 to 11 years old with a different version.  Follow this link if you would like to take it:  Asthma Control Test.  You may print it and bring it completed to your appointment.

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