Ask the Allergist
Frequently asked questions
- Why can't I have a family member give me my allergy shots at home?
- Do I need a referral to become established as a new patient?
- What is the difference between an allergist and an ear-nose-throat doctor?
- Do you participate with my insurance company?
- Why do I need to make an appointment?
- I heard you can be paid to participate in clinical research trials?
- Do I need health insurance to participate in a clinical research study?
- How long will it take before I can be seen as a new patient?
- I live in one town and work in another. Can I be seen in your different offices?
- What is my responsibility to pay of the charge?
- If I am found to be allergic, do I need to get rid of my cat and dog?
- If I bring my little one in for testing, do they have to have all those needles?
- How do I know if it's a cold or allergy?
- I came here for asthma, why are you testing me for allergies?
- Can you get shots for food allergies?
- Do you take debit or credit cards?
- Can I take antihistamines with my allergy shots?
- If your office is closed, can I still call the phone number and get to talk with a nurse?
Q. Why can't I have a family member give me my allergy shots at home?
The vaccine is too weak to be useful if it is safe enough for home use, therefore, the injections would be of little benefit.
Q. Do I need a referral to become established as a new patient?
You only need a referral if your insurance company requires it.
Q. What is the difference between an allergist and an ear-nose-throat doctor?
Simply put, the difference is training. After receiving their medical doctor degree, an allergist will train another two to three years either in pediatric or internal medicine. This is followed by an additional two to three years of training in the diseases of asthma and allergy. An otolaryngologist (ENT) is a surgeon. Therefore, their fellowship training concentration is in surgery.
Q. Do you participate with my insurance company?
We participate with most of the plans offered in our area. It is always best to check with your insurance company, as they are the ones that will consider your charges.
Q. You are so flexible with the times I am allowed to come in for an allergy injection, why do I need to make an appointment?
Our office staffs according to patient needs, and they need time to prepare for your visit. You may not realize the extent of work that goes into your visit before you actually arrive. Your chart is examined for the appropriate dosage amount, frequency and reactions from prior injections, consulting with physician staff when necessary. In addition, we need to make sure we have enough vaccine in your vial to receive an injection, or whether the laboratory needs to make more. And, administering a cold injection, "just pulled out of the fridge" can sting! These are some of the reasons why it is necessary your appointments are scheduled in advance.
Q. I heard you can be paid to participate in clinical research trials?
If you qualify for a study, then yes, you are compensated for your time and travel. Click here to learn more.
Q. Do I need health insurance to participate in a clinical research study?
No, if you are participating in a research study, we do not bill insurance companies. If you are eligible for a study, there is a possibility you may receive medications, examinations, and laboratory tests at no cost.
Q. How long will it take before I can be seen as a new patient?
Usually, we can schedule you within a week or two.
Q. I live in one town and work in another. Can I be seen in your different offices?
If you call our office, we will make the necessary arrangements for you to be seen in another office.
Q. What is my responsibility to pay of the charge?
This is determined by your insurance company. You may have a deductible, copay or coinsurance to meet. Please call your insurance company and they will tell you what exactly your responsibility is, or refer to the explanation of benefit you have received from the insurance company after they have processed your claim.
Q. If I am found to be allergic, do I need to get rid of my cat and dog? If so, can I have a hamster/guinea pig or gerbil?
The best treatment of any allergy is avoidance. However, we know it is very difficult to part with a pet whom often times is considered a family member. Our office will guide you in your options such as allergy injections, designed to increase your level of tolerance over a period of time, avoidance measures such as keeping the pet out of the bedroom, and other pet choices.
Q. If I bring my little one in for testing, do they have to have all those needles?
The testing we do is relatively "painless". For a young child, it is often more the fear of the unknown. Pediatric patients are common in our practice, and our staff is well versed in how to deal with a young child's anxiety. We perform skin testing and blood testing through our office. Our allergists will recommend which method is clinically appropriate for your child and discuss this with you.
Q. How do I know if it's a cold or allergy?
A cold will normally last around seven to ten days. Allergy symptoms are usually more persistent and tend to last longer. Nevertheless, it is frequently very difficult to differentiate between nasal allergy, infections or sinus symptoms. Allergy testing is the way to differentiate.
Q. I came here for asthma, why are you testing me for allergies?
Environmental allergies are the most common trigger of asthma in children and adults. Unless we exclude the possibility of environmental triggers good asthma control may remain suboptimal.
Q. Can you get shots for food allergies?
No. The only effective way of controlling food allergies is strict avoidance. Epinephrine that is injected is a treatment of choice in case of systemic reaction after accidental food ingestion.
Q. Do you take debit or credit cards?
Our offices are implementing this service for the convenience of our patients. Chances are by the time you read this, this option will be available to you.
Q. Can I take antihistamines with my allergy shots, or will they interfere like they did with testing?
Yes, antihistamines may be taken at times help to control some of the local symptoms associated with allergy injections. However, we do not recommend you take them routinely before receiving your allergy injections, unless you have spoken with our medical staff.
Q. If your office is closed, can I still call the phone number and get to talk with a nurse?
After hours, you will receive our answering service who will direct you in the appropriate follow up.
