Patient Information

We treat adults and children of all ages who have various allergic and immune system disorders including:

  • inhalant allergies (pollens, molds, cats, dogs, dust mites, cockroach allergens)
  • food allergies
  • hives
  • sinus headaches
  • eczema
  • latex allergies
  • drug allergies
  • stinging insect allergy
  • acquired or inherited antibody (immune) deficiency

We also specialize in the treatment of asthma, and sinus problems.

A number of our nurses are asthma educator certified (AE-C). This is a national certification that promotes optimal asthma management and quality of life for individuals with asthma and their families. The asthma education we provide reflects the current recommendations of the national asthma guidelines.

New Patients

Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your first appointment to fill out any necessary paperwork. We also ask that you bring the following information:

  • Your insurance card and, if needed, any referral information from your primary care physician. Your co-pay is due at the time of service. We accept check, cash, Visa or Mastercard. Please see our financial policy for more information. This is located under the new patient packet link.
  • The names and dosages of all the over-the-counter and prescription medications that you are currently taking
  • Any X-rays, CT scans of the sinuses or laboratory reports
  • Completed Registration, Insurance Information, Financial Policy, and Medication and Allergy Information enclosed in your new patient packet
  • See the section “Making the Most of Your Doctor Visit” below

Please refrain from wearing perfume or cologne in our office as some of our patients are very sensitive to these items.

Office Testing

Based on your symptoms, we may find it necessary to perform tests such as allergy skin testing or lung function tests. Skin testing is performed by applying allergens to the skin and lightly pricking. The results may be raised, red, itchy spots, which will appear within 15 to 20 minutes after being pricked. This reaction is similar to a mosquito bite and usually disappears within several days after testing. Reactions can indicate which allergens may be causing your symptoms. Prick skin test are usually done on both arms. A short-sleeve shirt would provide the most comfort during this procedure. A paper shirt is provided if the test needs to be done on the back.

In preparation for your exam, please do not apply any lotions to your arms or take any prescription or over-the-counter cold or sinus medications or antihistamines such as Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, Atarax, Zyrtec, Zyrtec-D, Clarinex, Claritin, Claritin-D, Allegra, Allegra-D, Tylenol PM, etc. These medications can give a false negative result on your allergy skin tests. Please continue to take all other prescribed medications. A variety of medications, in addition to antihistamines, may affect testing results. Therefore, allergy skin testing may not be done during your first visit. Your provider will discuss this with you and determine the best method of evaluation.

Additional Services

Prescription refill requests can be handled during office hours by phone. Refill requests can take up to 48 hours to process. There will be a $5.00 charge for lost prescriptions.

Shot Schedules for patients on immunotherapy are located in our office or you can download a .pdf of current schedules by clicking the link located at the top of the page in the menu on the right side.

For urgent medical problems, a provider can be reached by calling the emergency number listed on the office answering machine. If you have a medical emergency, proceed to the nearest emergency room. Remember, your appropriate medical care requires regular office visits. Phone calls are not an appropriate substitute.

Making the Most of Your Doctor Visit

We would like to provide you with a list of suggestions that we believe will help you to make the most of your doctor visit. This list is useful for any physician visit. We recommend that you review this list prior to your office visit to ensure that you receive optimal care.

  • Write down questions as you think of them. Keep this list in a convenient location so you can add questions often. Prior to your office visit, list your questions in order of priority.
  • Prepare a list of current medications. Be sure to note the medications that have changed since your last office visit.
  • Make sure your doctor has received any test results or reports from other physicians before your office visit. Be sure to bring any CT films (not the report) into our office. This will assure that your doctor has had the opportunity to review all crucial data concerning your illness.
  • Bring someone with you. If you are not sure that you can effectively interact with your doctor bring someone along that can help you and your doctor communicate more effectively.
  • Take notes. Write down important information that you may forget after leaving the office. Ask for handouts or other written material for you to review at home.
  • Check out the web links located in the patient education section of this website. These links are there for your use. They are categorized according to condition and provide information about the conditions we diagnose and treat. Many treatment options are also explained within the same area of our website.
  • Call our office if you any questions about your diagnosis or treatment for these conditions.

A Word About Technology

We strongly believe technology can improve the delivery of health care. We strive to be on the cutting edge of medical technology while paying particular attention to the security of our patients’ medical information. Some of our recent advancements include: electronic medical records, a website for our patients and computerized prescriptions.

This technology enables us to provide efficient and high quality healthcare to our patients. In order to obtain the maximum benefits from our electronic medical records, new patients will be asked to complete a comprehensive medical history form at their first visit. Follow-up patients will be asked to complete a brief medical update form at each visit. It is necessary to obtain a complete medical history because asthma, allergies and sinus problems can be complicated by other medical conditions. We know the introduction of technology into our practice will initially involve some inconvenience and effort on the part of our patients. However, we feel this will allow us to provide the best medical care.

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