The Allergy and Asthma Clinic
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For Patients
About Your Visit - preparing for your visitDuring your first visit, you and Dr. Engler will review your medical history and help you decide upon a plan of action. Frequently, diagnostic tests are needed to get more information about your specific allergy or asthmatic condition. Most of the tests can be done in our office, allowing you to return to your regular activities in one to two hours. Your tests might include some or all of the following:
eNO Reading SystemThe Insight eNO System measures exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), also known as FeNO, which is a well-established indicator of airway inflammation in asthma. The Insight system is a highly accurate device, expressly designed for the physician’s office. It is non-invasive, safe, easy to use, and provides eNO results in less than a minute for better asthma management and care. Apieron's medical solution is a unique biosensor that helps in asthma care by detecting trace amounts of nitric oxide molecules in a single human breath utilizing a proprietary technology. The addition of eNO or FeNO, to the standard asthma management tools allows a window into the inflammatory process occurring in the airways that can help improve asthma control. Physician office measurement of eNO is a much awaited breakthrough in medical technology that provides physicians with a reliable tool to measure airway inflammation as an adjunct to the current diagnostic measures of asthma management, e.g. lung function. Exhaled nitric oxide has been established as a reliable marker of airway inflammation in asthma for over 10 years. Exhaled nitric has been the central focus of studies establishing its link to optimizing medication and reflecting and predicting asthma control. Skin Testing: This is usually done on the patient’s back (given the larger skin surface) by our skilled, experienced nursing staff. We use modern, state-of-the-art technology, making these tests virtually painless. Once the allergy is identified, we will review with you all of your treatment options. Nasal Smear: A microscopic look at the nasal mucus to see if allergy or infection is present. Blood Tests: If indicated, we may need to check certain blood work, including a CBC (complete blood count), and IgE Immunocap RAST studies, which measure the specific amount of allergy protein in your blood. X-Rays: Chest or Sinus X-Rays. In some cases, it may be necessary to order these radiographic studies. These tests can assist us in diagnosing certain conditions, either due to an allergic/inflammatory condition or infection. We will discuss the results of these studies and help you with any necessary follow-up care. Like anything else in life, time taken ahead to prepare for your appointment will pay rich dividends and make your visit a fruitful and happy one. Please prepare for this by bringing:
Patient Office Forms (secure patient portal)We have provided you with this online secure patient center to help us and you be more efficient in completing office forms, download procedure instructions, complete medical history, Ask the Doctor a question. Click the Icon below to enter our secure patient Medical Web Office. After clicking on any icon you will enter the secure medical web office. You will be required to agree with our office privacy and the terms of use before entering.
Downloadable Forms OptionIf you prefer to download, print and complete the forms. Click on the downloadable PDF below:
Billing & Insurance InformationYour health is our primary goal. Please do not let financial concerns prevent you from getting medical care. As a service to our patient we will be happy to bill your insurance carrier for your visits, tests, and allergy treatment, if those services are covered by your health plan. To successfully bill on your behalf, we need accurate, complete insurance information from you. Most of it appears on your insurance identification card, but sometimes additional information is needed. Please keep in mind that the contract for payment coverage is really between you and your insurance carrier, often through your employer. We appreciate and encourage a partial payment at the time of your visit. Depending on your insurance plan, we may request a deposit because most insurance plans will require payment of a deductible or a co payment of the total bill. We are happy to work with you and your insurance company to find out what your insurance will cover and to submit the appropriate claims. Your portion of the bill can be paid with check, American Express, Master Card, and Visa for your convience. We are a preferred provider for many of the area's health plans, and a participating Medicare provider. Please call us to check if we are a member of your plan. Frequently Asked QuestionsWill skin testing hurt?The method we most commonly use for skin testing is “non-invasive” and does not utilize any needles. The test must be on the skin surface for 20-30 minutes. The test is virtually painless but if an allergy is detected, you may develop a “bump” and/or localized itching where the testing was applied. After the testing is completed and we apply “anti-itch” cream, most of our patients feel that their skin is back to normal very quickly. If I am found to be allergic, would that mean that I would need to be on some form of immunotherapy? The optimum treatment of allergy begins with diagnosing the allergy. Once an allergy is detected, we will provide you with several treatment options and if indicated, we will discuss with you the potential risks and benefits of immunotherapy. Not everyone with allergies requires treatment with immunotherapy or allergy shots. It is an option, especially if you prefer not to take medications indefinitely or if your symptoms are greatly affecting the quality of your life. Are allergy medications safe or will they make me sleepy? On our web site, we include information on some of the most common medications used in the management of allergies. In general, allergy medications are considered safe but keep in mind, everyone responds to a medication differently. Our providers consider several factors when prescribing medications, not only evaluating the safety profile and the condition but also the patient’s concerns. How soon can my child be allergy tested? In general, because of the lack of the maturity of the immune system, we do not recommend allergy testing to those children younger than 2 years of age. However, in certain special circumstances, we will perform allergy testing on children younger than 2 years of age. Will my insurance cover allergy testing? Although some patients have insurance limitations to their coverage, most insurance companies do cover allergy testing. Keep in mind, 40% of the workforce takes time off of work at one point or another because of their allergic condition and so most insurance providers consider allergy management to be medically necessary and indicated. Interested in volunteering for a Medical Study?We are always interested in medical advancement and increasing our knowledge base. We are currently participating in several studies for those patients with asthma. We are participating in a medical study on an exciting new treatment for a skin condition known as hereditary angioedema. If you are interested in participating in these studies, please call us. >> Back to top
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