First Visit

What will happen during an office visit?

If you are a new patient, we will generally evaluate you in one or perhaps up to three visits. Often, but not always, we will recommend tests to verify whether allergies are present, to identify what they are, and to determine how severe they are. These tests are relatively painless with today's techniques. If skin tests are indicated, they may be done in three sets on three different visits. If chest symptoms are involved, we may also recommend tests to measure breathing function.

Your first visit will be an initial evaluation. Please bring with you a list of medications you currently are taking, as well as a list of your questions and concerns. This will help to make sure that you don't leave the office with unanswered questions. We will discuss your symptoms, take your medical history, perform a physical examination, and review the environments in which you live and work. If we decide that skin tests are needed, the first set will usually be done on this visit. This visit will take approximately an hour and 15 minutes.

Your second visit of about 35 minutes will allow us to gain more information about your problem, as we do your second set of tests and review the effects of medications recommended on your first visit.

Your third visit will take approximately one hour. At this visit, your third set of skin tests will be done. We will then discuss with you our recommendations for treating your asthma or allergies.

These initial visits allow us to carefully diagnose your problem and recommend a course of treatment.

We ask that you not wear any perfumes or strong scented lotions or after-shave to our office. These sometimes cause asthma symptoms in our asthmatic patients in the reception area.

What should I bring with me?

Please bring appropriate past medical records, a list of your current medications or the actual medications, a list of questions, and, for HMO patients, PLEASE do not forget your referral. Unfortunately, we cannot see HMO patients without appropriate referral, so if your are not sure of your referral status, please check with your insurance carrier and primary care provider prior to visits.

What medications should I stop?

If you are coming for a first visit or a visit that involves allergy testing, you will need to be off all antihistamines for 72 hours. Examples of antihistamines include the prescription drugs Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin, and Astelin, as well as over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl. Also, antihistamine eye drops, such as Patanol and Livostin have the potential to block allergy testing and should be stopped for 72 hours, as well. Clarinex tablets should be stopped 5 days before your appointment. Please note that nasal sprays (aside from Astelin, Astepro, and Patanese) and asthma medications do not need to be stopped.

What insurance plans are accepted?

We accept a very wide range of insurance plans. Please contact your insurance provider.