New Patients
Thank you for choosing Allergy & Asthma Associates. Please take a few minutes to review the following information:
Insurances
We accept the following insurances:- Aetna
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- BMC Healthnet
- Cigna
- Harvard Pilgrim
- MassHealth
- Medicare
- Medex
- Neighborhood Health Plan
- Tufts
- United Healthcare
- Many private insurances
Prior to your visit
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. If you arrive late, you may be asked to reschedule.
- In addition, please print out the following forms and bring the completed forms to your appointment:
- New Patient Form
- Review of Systems Form
- Insurance Form
- HIPAA
- Acknowledgement Form (please complete after reading the HIPAA notice)
- Notice
Your Visit
You will initially meet with the physician. If appropriate, you may have further testing:- Skin testing
- Prior to testing
- If possible, please stop any over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines for one week prior to the visit. These include (but are not limited to): Claritin, Loratidine, Allegra, Fexofenadine, Zyrtec, Cetirizine, Benadryl, Astelin nasal spray, Patanase nasal spray, Hydroxyzine, Periactin, cough medicine.
- If possible, please stop any over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines for one week prior to the visit. These include (but are not limited to): Claritin, Loratidine, Allegra, Fexofenadine, Zyrtec, Cetirizine, Benadryl, Astelin nasal spray, Patanase nasal spray, Hydroxyzine, Periactin, cough medicine.
- The testing
- A small drop of allergen is placed on the arms or back and a scratch is made through the drop that just breaks the surface of the skin. You may experience mild/moderate itching at each site. After 15 minutes, the skin testing is read. If needed, further testing into the upper arms with an intradermal injection will be performed.
If you can, please wear loose-fitting clothes such as a tank top or t-shirt. Please leave small children at home.
- A small drop of allergen is placed on the arms or back and a scratch is made through the drop that just breaks the surface of the skin. You may experience mild/moderate itching at each site. After 15 minutes, the skin testing is read. If needed, further testing into the upper arms with an intradermal injection will be performed.
- After the testing
- You may have mild itching at the site of skin testing. Please discuss with your doctor during your visit how you can treat this.
- You may have mild itching at the site of skin testing. Please discuss with your doctor during your visit how you can treat this.
- Prior to testing
- Pulmonary Function Testing (Breathing tests)
This is a test that measures how well your lungs are working. It is usually performed on patients over 6 years of age.- Prior to testing
- If possible, please do not use your rescue inhaler or nebulizer (ProAir, Proventil, Xoponex, Maxair or Albuterol) for 4 hours prior to the visit. However, if you need to use your inhaler or nebulizer, do not hesitate.
- If possible, please do not use your rescue inhaler or nebulizer (ProAir, Proventil, Xoponex, Maxair or Albuterol) for 4 hours prior to the visit. However, if you need to use your inhaler or nebulizer, do not hesitate.
- The testing
- You will be asked to forcefully exhale into a breathing device. To ensure your best effort, you will have three attempts. It takes less than 5 minutes and is painless.
If needed, the test will be repeated after you are given a dose of a rescue inhaler.
- You will be asked to forcefully exhale into a breathing device. To ensure your best effort, you will have three attempts. It takes less than 5 minutes and is painless.
- Prior to testing