Do I need a referral?

If you have an HMO or Medicaid HMO insurance, you must obtain a referral from your PCP.  This lets us know that you have been authorized by your PCP and insurance company to see us.  Usually, authorizations are good for a specific number of visits or date range.  Prior to the expiration of the authorization, you will need to provide us with a new referral.  You will not be seen if we do not have a valid referral on file.

 

I have a 17 year old, can they attend the appointment alone?

While convenient for the parents, unfortunately, no.  Anyone under the age of 17 is still legally considered a child; therefore, they must attend all appointments with a parent until they are at least 18 years old.

I am a new patient, can I be tested on the same day?

Almost all insurance companies will not cover an evaluation and testing to be done on the same day.  Insurance companies prefer that an evaluation is performed and once the diagnosis is established testing can be done on a separate day. 

 

Can I get my lab results over the phone?

Due to the patient specific nature of testing, lab results need to be discussed in person.  Please schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.

 

How long does testing take? How should I prepare?

Please plan to spend approximately 90 minutes for your testing appointment.  This will encompass the testing process, wait time, and for a clinician to review the results of the test with you.  Prior to any testing, you have to be off antihistamines for 5 days.  If you have taken an antihistamine within 5 days of your testing appointment, please let us know. We will have to reschedule your appointment as your testing results will not be accurate.

How do allergy shots work?

Allergy shots work like a vaccine.  Your body responds to injected amounts of a particular allergen, given in gradually increasing doses, by developing immunity or tolerance to the allergen.

There are two phases:

-Build-up phase: This involves receiving injections with increasing amounts of the allergens about 1-2 times per week.  The length of this phase depends upon how often the injections are received, but generally ranges from 3-6 months.  

-Maintenance phase: This begins once the effective dose is reached.  The effective maintenance dose depends on your level of allergen sensitivity and your response to the build-up phase.  During the maintenance phase, there will be longer periods of time between treatments, ranging from 2-4 weeks.

 

How effective are allergy shots?

Allergy shots have shown to decrease symptoms of many allergies.  It can prevent the development of new allergies, and in children it can prevent the progression of allergic disease from allergic rhinitis to asthma.  The effectiveness of allergy shots appears to be related to the length of the treatment program as well as the dose of the allergen.  Some people experience lasting relief from allergy symptoms, while others may relapse after discontinuing allergy shots.  

 

Are there risks?

A typical reaction is redness and swelling at the injection site.  This can happen immediately or several hours after the treatment.  In some instances, symptoms can include increased allergy symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, or hives.  Serious reactions to allergy shots are rare.  When they do occur, they require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction can include swelling in the throat, wheezing or tightness in the chest, nausea and dizziness.  Most serious reactions develop within 30 minutes of the allergy injections.  Per office policy, you are required to wait for 30 minutes in our office after receiving your injection.

 

I am on an immunotherapy regimen, what are your injection policies?

When on an immunotherapy regimen, you are required to have at least one office visit every three months to closely follow your progress and ensure compliance.  At the time of an injection, you must wait in our office for 30 minutes so that we may monitor any reactions.

 

I am almost out of my medication and am out of refills, can you call in a refill for me? 

One of our clinicians will review your request personally.  This is handled on a case by case basis and approved or denied depending on the severity of your case.  As a general rule, if you are out of refills and have not had a follow up appointment within the last six months, your request will require a follow up appointment prior to approval.



Why am I receiving a bill?

If you have received a bill, it is because your insurance company has applied a deductible, copay, or coinsurance amounts to your responsibility. Feel free to contact our billing department so that your questions may be answered.



How long will it take to obtain medical records?

​Per HIPAA guidelines, medical providers have up to 30 days to complete your request.  Requests are handled on a first request, first serve basis and we try our best to have your request completed within two weeks.  



I need a school form, letter, or FMLA form filled out, what is the policy?

-A new school form is required every school year.  If you need a new school form filled out, an appointment is required.  Please bring in the school form to the appointment and it will be filled out at the time of the appointment at no additional charge.  

-If you need a personalized letter, please make the request in writing with details on what you need included in the letter and allow 14 days for the letter to be completed.

-If you need an FMLA form filled out, an appointment is required.  Please bring in the FMLA form to the appointment.  Please allow 14 days for the FMLA form to be completed.  Depending on the extensive nature of the FMLA form, completion of the FMLA form is subject to an additional fee.

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