Prior to Your First Visit:

Discontinue all antihistimine products for 72 hours before visit.
Some antihistamines such as Hydroxyzine (Atarax or Vistaril), Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec, and Doxepin (Sinequan) need to be discontinued for at least 7 days. Astelin nose spray should be discontinued for 2 days. Hismanal needs to be discontinued for 3-6 weeks. If you are taking corticosteroids such as Prednisone (Deltasone), contact our office nurse before discontinuing. Do not discontinue asthma medications. If you do not know what type of medications you are taking, please call our office and speak with one of our nurses.

Bring current medications with you, as many of them may be continued.

Be prepared to spend 4 hours on your initial visit. After your allergy history has been taken and your examination has been performed, the doctor may recommend x-rays, laboratory tests, or skin testing. The cost of an allergy evaluation varies according to the patient. Consultation fees, including recommended tests, can range from $600-1000.

Wear or bring a short-sleeve/sleeveless shirt or blouse. Allergy tests may be performed on the upper arm. Skin tests will include prick and intradermal testing. Side effects from allergy testing are uncommon. If they should occur, they are usually limited to minor, temporary increases in nasal or wheezing symptoms, readily controlled with your usual medications.

Please do not bring children other than the patient with you for your visit. Additional children in the exam room may hamper your understanding of your (or your child’s) illness and treatment. As space is limited in the testing area, we ask that any additional family members wait in the reception room.

Please notify us 24 hours in advance if you cannot keep this appointment. Your courtesy makes it possible to schedule another patient who may be ill. There will be a $50 charge for any appointment not canceled.