Ready to find relief and improve your quality of life? It’s time to schedule your first allergy appointment! As a new allergy patient, preparing for your visit will help you make the most of your time with the allergist and ensure a smoother experience for all. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essentials of preparing for your first allergy appointment at Family Allergy & Asthma.

Gather Essential Health Information

It’s always best to be prepared! You can ensure a productive appointment by gathering all relevant health information beforehand. Prepare the following to provide your allergist with a comprehensive picture of your current allergy circumstances and personal needs:

Personal History: Prepare a detailed personal history that includes any prior or ongoing health concerns, your current symptoms, and their frequency and severity. Your doctor will conduct a medical history at your appointment, but collecting this information up front will help to keep your visit moving smoothly.

Family History: Note any family history of allergies, asthma or other related conditions. Allergies can have a genetic component, so this information can be valuable for your allergist.

Medication List: Create a comprehensive list of all current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Also, bring information about your pharmacy (address, phone number, etc.), as our team often sends prescriptions that will aid your relief.

Allergy Log: As a bonus, consider maintaining an allergy log before your appointment. Record your symptoms, potential triggers and the time of day or year when flare-ups occur. This log can help your allergist identify patterns and provide valuable insights when creating your personalized treatment plan.

Adjust Your Medications

To ensure accurate allergy testing results, it is necessary to temporarily halt certain medications. Please refer to the following guidelines when preparing for your Family Allergy & Asthma appointment:

Five days prior to testing…

• Halt all prescription-strength antihistamines (e.g., Allegra, Zyrtec, Claritin, etc.) five days before testing.

Three days prior to testing…

• Avoid over-the-counter allergy, cough and cold or sinus medications (e.g., Tylenol Cold and Sinus), as well as certain heartburn medicines (e.g., Zantac, Pepcid, etc.).
• Discontinue prescription sleep aids or antidepressants (e.g., Elavil, nortriptyline). Consult your allergist or pharmacist for guidance.

Note: Not ALL medications should be halted prior to testing. Unless instructed otherwise by your physician, continue your routine asthma inhalers and pills, as well as other regular medications, such as those for diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.

Prepare Your Insurance

Family Allergy & Asthma’s provider network is proud to accept most major health insurance plans. While many services are covered, it is important to ensure your allergist accepts your plan so you can plan accordingly. Doing so is simple:

1. Check In-Network Status: Contact your insurance carrier to confirm if the allergist is in-network. Inquire about any referral requirements for your visit.
2. Inquire About Co-payments and Costs: Familiarize yourself with the details of your insurance plan, including co-payment requirements. These fees will be collected during your visit. 
3. Explore Payment Plans: If you do not have insurance or have a high-deductible health plan, contact our team to learn more about payment plans or financing options.

On the Day of Your Appointment

You’re on track to begin your journey to relief! Remember, there is no need to be nervous about your first appointment. Our team is here to make you feel comfortable and well cared for throughout your appointment, and, with the proper prep completed, all that remains is signing in. As you arrive for your allergy visit, please keep the following in mind:

Time Commitment: Please free up your schedule as needed for your appointment. New patients can expect initial visits to take approximately two to three hours. 

Appropriate Clothing: Allergy testing procedures may involve marking your back and arms with a pen, so it’s advisable to wear an old short-sleeved t-shirt in case of potential marks or stains.

Fragrance-Free Environment: Some patients are sensitive to odors and fragrances, which can trigger asthma symptoms. Therefore, we ask that you please refrain from wearing perfume, colognes or scented lotions to your appointment.

Begin your journey to allergy relief!

Let’s remove allergies from your every day! Family Allergy & Asthma’s trusted allergy specialists are always ready to guide patients toward relief. With locations across the region, allergy relief is always close to home. Contact us today to schedule your allergy appointment.

About Family Allergy & Asthma

Founded in 1979, Family Allergy & Asthma’s practice network of allergy and asthma specialists provides high-quality, reliable and lasting allergy relief throughout Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, and includes affiliates Allergy & Asthma Specialists (AAS), Asthma and Allergy Associates of Florida (AAAF) and Arkansas Allergy and Asthma Clinic (AAAC). For more information, visit familyallergy.com, and follow Family Allergy & Asthma on Facebook, Instagram and X.