New patients
Your first visit, start to finish
Most new patients are seen within a week. Here is everything you need to know before you come in, from what to bring to which medicines to pause.
Before your visit
Book online or call
Choose the clinic that is easiest for you. Tell us your main symptoms and your preferred language.
Complete your forms
We text you a link to a short health history and consent forms. They take about 10 minutes and save time at check-in.
Pause antihistamines
Stop allergy pills and liquids 5 to 7 days before skin testing. Keep taking asthma and prescription medicines.
We check your benefits
Our billing team verifies your insurance and calls you if anything needs attention before the visit.
What to bring
- Photo ID and insurance card
- A list of current medicines and doses
- Past allergy test results or ER records
- Photos of rashes, hives or swelling
- Your epinephrine auto-injector, if you have one
- Referral, if your plan requires one
- For children: a favorite toy or tablet for testing
Wear a short-sleeved shirt. Skin testing is usually done on the forearm or upper back. Please skip lotion on those areas the day of your visit.
During your visit
Plan on 60 to 90 minutes.
Check-in
Our front desk confirms your details and insurance. A nurse takes vitals and reviews your medicines.
History and exam
Your provider asks about symptoms, seasons, home, pets, food reactions and family history.
Testing
Breathing tests if needed, then skin prick testing. Results are read in about 20 minutes.
Your plan
We review results together and send you home with a written plan and next steps.
New patient questions
How long is the first visit?
Plan on 60 to 90 minutes. That covers your history and exam, any breathing tests, skin testing with about 20 minutes to read results, and time to talk through your plan. Patch testing and food challenges are scheduled as separate visits.
Which medicines should I stop before skin testing?
Stop antihistamine pills and liquids, such as cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine and diphenhydramine, 5 to 7 days before skin testing. Keep taking asthma inhalers, nasal steroid sprays and all prescription medicines unless we tell you otherwise. If you are unsure about a medicine, call us before you stop it.
Can my child be tested?
Yes. We test children from 6 months old. Skin prick testing feels like a light scratch and is quick. A parent stays in the room, and our team is used to keeping little ones distracted.
Do you offer video visits?
Yes, for many follow-up visits and some new patient consultations, such as reviewing outside test results. Testing and treatment need an in-person visit. Video visits cost the same as office visits and are billed to insurance the same way.
Ready to book your first visit?
Most new patients are seen within a week. Book online or call the clinic closest to you.