Welcome

Welcome to the Allergy & Asthma Institute of SE Michigan’s

Comprehensive Food Allergy Clinic

We hope that the following information is helpful as you prepare for your first appointment.  If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us.

Please allow 2 to 2½ hours for your initial office appointment. 

What to expect during your first visit:  Every patient has unique allergies, allergy symptoms and medical conditions.  In addition to a detailed medical history and examination, we will discuss the most appropriate testing method(s) for your specific situation with you.   When medically appropriate, your first visit will include skin testing, or you may be referred for laboratory testing (blood tests).

In addition to your medical evaluation, most patients will receive food allergy education during this initial visit.  This individualized education will bring the typical initial appointment duration to 2 to 2½ hours.   

If the patient is an infant or small child, please bring ample baby supplies, toys or perhaps a favorite DVD.  We recommend that you eat a good meal prior to your appointment time.  Due to the wide range of food allergies that we see in our office, please do not bring food (other than baby bottles) into the clinic. 

When we schedule your initial office evaluation, you will be asked several questions to determine if you should be prepared for skin testing.  If your initial visit will include skin testing, it will be necessary to discontinue any allergy medications that will effect the testing.   Click here for a list of medications and the number of days you must not take them prior to testing.  If your medication is not listed and are unsure if your medication will effect skin testing, please contact our office at least 7 days prior to your appointment. 

Depending on the foods that are suspected and the previous allergic symptoms that you experienced after consuming the food(s), you may be asked to bring a small sample of one or more fresh foods to the clinic for skin testing.  You will not need to discontinue allergy medications prior to laboratory testing. 

If you have previous allergy testing performed at another facility:   

It is helpful when patients bring a copy of laboratory and/or previous skin test results to the initial appointment.  They may be faxed directly to the clinic prior to your appointment.   Our fax number is 248-363-3455. 

Insurance & referrals:   Payment for professional services is expected at the time that services are rendered.  This includes any insurance co-pay that may apply.  Click here for a list of the health insurance plans that we participate in.  You will be asked to show your insurance card(s) when you check in for your appointment.

If your insurance company requires a referral from your primary care physician, it is your responsibility to obtain the required referral at least

24 hours prior to your appointment.   Your primary care physician may fax the referral to us at 248-363-3455 or you may hand carry it with you.  Please note that the referral must be in our office when you arrive for your appointment. 

We will assist you in determining your insurance benefits for allergy testing and/or immunotherapy before services are rendered.   In order for us to provide this service for you, we appreciate receiving your completed Patient Registration Forms at least 1 day before your appointment.  If there is a telephone number on your card (frequently found on the back side of the card), please include that phone number, or include a photocopy of the front & back of your insurance card with your registration form. 

If you plan to pay cash for your appointment, you may wish to contact The Allergy & Asthma Institute to discuss cost prior to your visit.  For our patient’s convenience, we accept cash, checks, Visa & MasterCard, Discover, American Express credit cards.

Referrals to our Nutritionist, Psychologists or Social Worker:   Referrals are available to our patients, but please note that you will not see these professionals during the initial office visit & evaluation.  

We also want you to be aware that your health insurance may not cover the services of a Nutritionist, Psychologist or Social Worker.  Some health insurers may reimburse you for some or all of your out of pocket expenses for their professional services.   If you wish to utilize the services of these professionals, please discuss the costs and insurance issues for their services directly with the Nutritionist, the Psychologist or Social Worker when you schedule your appointment with them.  The Allergy & Asthma Institute of SE Michigan’s billing department cannot answer specific billing questions regarding the services of the Nutritionist, Psychologist or Social Worker. 

We look forward to seeing you in at the Comprehensive Food Allergy Clinic.