Chronic Eczema/Dermatitis
Anaphylaxis and Angioedema
Eosinophilic esophagitis
Meet Dr. Feigenbaum
Food 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 Allergist
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 health plan for you
FREE parking
Online Telemedicine visits
San Diego Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Consultants, Inc
LA JOLLA
9850 Genesee Ave, Suite 355
La Jolla, CA 92037
Office 619 291 5800
Fax 415 634 1344
HILLCREST
4060 4th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
Office 619 291 5800
Fax 415 634 1344
TELEMedicine Now Available For Some Types of Follow-Up Visits!
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 push allergy shots?
No. Fewer than 1% of our patients are started on allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy.) Most of our patients get so much relief with other treatments that they don't need or want shots.
There are also some newer immunotherapy options without shots. Immunotherapy is the only "disease-modifying" therapy, as opposed to medications. Medications work very well and for most people are all that is needed. But those who want to address the "root cause" of allergies, allergen avoidance and immunotherapy may make sense.
Immunotherapy which doesn't require shots include:
--Sublingual (under the tongue) "drops" of the same extracts used in allergy shots. However, that is not currently covered by health plans.
--There are also FDA-approved sublingual pills containing timothy grass allergen (Grastek) or ragweed allergen (Ragwitek) or due mite allergen (Odactra.) In this case, one would take up to 3 different pills each day (with up to 3 different copays per month at the pharmacy) and also sublingual pills are not available for cat, dog, tree pollen and other grass and weed pollen species.
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.
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.
I have a disability and would need special accommodation...
We're at your service. Please tell us how we can accommodate your needs.
My question isn't on here...
Please give us a call-- 619 291 5800--We'd love to help!
Bernard A. Feigenbaum, M.D. FACP, FAAAAI
Helping You Understand Your Immune System and Take Control of your Health.
Allergy Consultation and Testing in 5 Easy Steps:
Step 1 - Call us (619) 291-5800 (live 8AM-5PM) or Book Online. We're in Hillcrest and UTC.
Step 2 - Complete easy online forms. No paper on clipboards!
Step 3 - Review the info we send you from your health plan regarding any costs for a visit and testing on your plan.
Step 4 - Park for FREE for your organized, on-time appointment. (Average in-person wait less than 4 min)
Step 5 - Understand your allergies and start your customized treatment plan! You'll be heading back to work within 90 min!