I heard that some Allergy practices don't do allergy testing at the first visit, so I would have to schedule another visit and pay another copay to get tested. Do you perform testing at the first visit?
Yes!...for environmental/airborne or food allergies. (Unless there's a safety issue--pregnancy, certain blood pressure medications, etc.) We can also usually perform penicillin testing and start "patch" testing at the first visit, if we know that's why you're coming.
I heard that some Allergy practices require a separate "Summary" visit to discuss the allergy testing results. Do you require that?
No! We are glad to perform the initial consultation, testing (environmental/airborne or food, sometimes penicillin), discuss the results with you and get your treatment plan started ALL at the first visit. (Unless there's a safety issue--pregnancy, certain blood pressure medications, etc.
Does allergy testing hurt?
Most of our patients say something like, "That's it?! I was afraid that the testing was going to hurt."
If you previously had allergy testing with one allergy test needle at a time, repeated 30-40 times, that's kind of the old-school way to do it. We use a state-of-the-art skin testing device (Multitest) which can test 8 different allergens at a time. Applying the several Multitest devices needed for food allergy or airborne allergy skin testing only takes around 30 seconds. And we apply them on your arms where you can see what's going on.
Do I "have to" have allergy testing?
No. Most of our patients choose to undergo Allergy Testing. But Allergy Testing is not appropriate for some of the conditions we treat, or for some patients.
Doesn't everyone have allergies?
No....according to the medical literature, most people don't have ANY allergies--not to food, airborne allergens, medications, etc. Only approximately 25-30% of the US population has an allergy.
Do you often recommend allergy shots?
No. Fewer than 1% of our patients are started on allergy shots (immunotherapy.) Most of our patients get so much relief with other treatments that they don't need or want shots.
Do I need a referral to be seen in your office?
WE don't require a referral, but your health plan might if you have an HMO type plan. Feel free to give us a call if you need help figuring this out. Ask for Christen or Stephanie.
What if I don't have health insurance?
Then, you're probably wondering what the visit will cost. Please speak with Stephanie or Dallas. Once we understand your allergy symptoms, we can give you a price for a consultation and any testing which may be recommended at the visit.
My question isn't on here...
Please give us a call-- 619 291 5800--We'd love to help!
Frequently asked questions
Want Allergy Testing And Relief,
But Not Allergy "Shots"?
> 99% of our patients are treated without allergy shots/immunotherapy.
Bernard A. Feigenbaum, M.D. FACP, FAAAAI - 20 Years of Clinical Experience--Adult & Pediatric Allergist
- Board-Certified
- Published Researcher
San Diego Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Consultants, Inc
LA JOLLA
9850 Genesee Ave, Suite 355
La Jolla, CA 92037
Office 858 535 5352
Fax 866 903 3908
HILLCREST
4060 4th Avenue, Suite 120
San Diego, CA 92103
Office 619 291 5800
Fax 866 903 3908
Our Hillcrest Office
and Terrific Staff
Contact Us
Conditions We Treat
In Adults and Kids
Chronic Eczema/Dermatitis
Anaphylaxis and Angioedema
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis
- Voluntary Assistant Clinical Professor, UCSD School of Medicine
- Hospital Affiliations: Scripps and Sharp
Meet Dr. FeigenbaumFood Allergy Test Comprehensive testing to wheat, soy, milk, peanut, seafood and 50 other foods (results in 15 min)
Environmental Allergy Test Comprehensive testing to cat, dog, dust mite, pollens, molds and more (results in 15 min)
Pulmonary Function Testing
Penicillin Allergy Testing
Drug Desensitization
Patch Testing for Allergic Contact Dermatitis
IN-Network: Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and CA Blue Shield (group plans), Cigna,
Federal BC/BS, Medicare, United and others. (We're OUT-of-network for covered CA.)
We'll call your plan and email you a detailed explanation of any cost to you for a visit here.
Want an IN-Network Allergist?
Don't Like Waiting?
Appointments available within 3 days,
sometimes same day!
Call 619-291-5800
San Diego Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Consultants, Inc