INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALLERGY TESTING

• Please make us aware of any medications that you are taking. Do not take antihistamines for seven days prior to your skin testing appointment. If you are taking Hismanal, you must stop using it one month before the skin testing appointment. If you are using Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, or Semprex, you must stop using it for one week before skin testing. Please review the accompanying list of medications that can interfere with skin testing and notify us if you are on any.
  
  
• You cannot be tested or treated if you are taking a Beta Blocker. Beta Blockers are often prescribed for hypertension, cardiac problems, eye problems, and for migraines. Please bring this to our attention.
  
  
• You will be given an Allergy History and Questionnaire to complete and return on the day you are tested. Please take the time to fill this out the best you can.
  
  
• Allergy skin testing takes about two hours to complete. Please wear something short-sleeved or sleeveless. You may want to bring something to read.
  
  
• Topical anesthetic cream is available for testing children to decrease the discomfort of skin testing. You will be given a prescription for the cream. Apply a thick layer of the cream to the upper arm, two hours before testing. After the cream is applied, wrap with Saran Wrap or a similar dressing that may come with the cream. The nurse will remove the Saran Wrap in the office.
  
  
• INSURANCE: If you have an HMO or other insurance plan that requires pre-approval for testing, please contact your primary care physician for a specific written referral stating "Allergy Testing". The insurance codes ("CPT's") for allergy skin testing, allergy history review and allergy counseling are 95027, 95024, and 99211. If you have private insurance, payment is requested at the time you are tested, but we will provide you with the information you need to submit the claim to your insurance company yourself. Depending on the extent of testing needed, this will cost between $329.00 and $537.00.