Medical History:

The most important part of your visit is the medical history. It will guide us in determining what kind of testing should be performed. We want to know when your symptoms began, which triggers (exposures, foods, activities) make them worse, and the medications you have tried for relief. We will ask you about related allergy conditions, and if other members of your family experience allergy symptoms. Please bring a list of all of the medications you are currently taking, as it may affect what we recommend. If you have undergone allergy testing before, please bring any available records with you.

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Physical Exam:

We will look for classic allergy signs, such as the presence of changes in the lining of your nasal passages, wheezing on lung exam, and skin rashes. If you suffer from a rash that comes and goes, consider taking a picture of it ahead of time in case it is not present on the day of your appointment.

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Skin Testing:

Skin testing is often used to identify the triggers for your symptoms, and different types of testing are used for different problems. The first type of skin testing, called skin prick testing, involves gently poking the skin of your upper back with a set of small plastic picks coated with the food extracts, environmental allergens or drugs in question. A “multi-test” device may be used on younger children. Test sites are evaluated for the presence of a reaction (redness or hives) after 15-20 minutes. A second type of testing, known as intradermal testing, involves injecting small amounts of extract or drug just underneath the surface of the skin on the upper arm. It is similar to the placement of a PPD (tuberculin) test, which you may have had for a school or work physical, and again test sites are evaluated after 15-20 minutes.

 

Chemical patch testing is used to evaluate different types of food or contact allergies. During patch testing, special adhesive strips containing these substances are placed on the upper back for 48 hours. Avoidance of all oral steroid medications and topical steroids on the upper back is necessary beginning two weeks prior to patch testing. In the past, some patients with excessive body hair on the upper back have been unable to undergo patch testing. As a result, we request patients with excessive body hair on the upper back to shave at least 3 days prior to your appointment. If you have questions regarding this circumstance, please call our office.

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Pulmonary Function Testing:

If your symptoms include cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath, we may test your lung strength by having you exhale as hard as you can into a special device known as a spirometer. Sometimes this test is repeated after administration of a bronchodilator to “open” your lungs, and is compared to the original.

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After your evaluation is completed, an individualized treatment plan will be prepared for you that may include a combination of avoidance measures, medications or allergy shots if indicated. In most cases you will be asked to return a few weeks later to evaluate the effectiveness of your regimen, and periodically thereafter as deemed necessary. In some instances, if there is doubt that you are allergic to a particular food or medication, or if we suspect that you have outgrown an allergy, you may be asked to return for a supervised in-office oral challenge.

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For patients who need insurance referrals: Please ensure that you have a valid referral when you come to the office for appointments or shots. It is YOUR responsibility to call your primary care doctor to have referrals sent to our office. You can check with the receptionist when you check in to verify the date of your referral, or call the office prior to coming in for services. We do try to remind patients when their referral is near expiration; however, this reminder is a courtesy, and cannot be guaranteed. Thank you for your cooperation.

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For patients who require forms: Please note that we require 5-7  business days to complete forms.  Forms should be dropped off at the office PRIOR to any appointments since they are not completed immediately.  There will be a $5.00 charge for each form (1-3 pages); $10 for multiple forms.  ALL patients will be responsible for these fees since these forms are an extraordinary service outside a normal office visit encounter.

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For patients who require prescriptions: Prescriptions require 2-3 business days to process. Messages can be left on the answering machine.  Please note that prescriptions will only be given when a patient has been seen by the doctor within the last year.  Please call the office at 610-478-4033 if you need to make an appointment before having your prescription filled. We DO NOT fill auto refills from the pharmacy.  Patients should contact their insurance companies
regarding out of pocket costs for any prescriptions or labwork being performed. At this time, our office does not provide estimates for costs of prescriptions or labwork.

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No Show and Cancellation Policy: Any patient who is late to their appointment or fails to call 48 hours (2 business days) in advance will be considered a "No Show." Each patient will get three "No Show Appointments," which includes no shows and cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice. After three no show appointments, patients will be dismissed from the practice.

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