PRIOR TO VISIT
Schedule an appointment by calling us at (718) 841 6548
Fill out patient information provided to you via phone or email if a printer is accessible.
Fax or scan an active referral if required by your insurance (usually it is written on the back of your insurance card, if you are unsure, please contact your insurance)
PREPARING FOR allergy skin testing
During your visit, the physician will determine if allergy skin testing should be done. If you believe you need allergy skin testing and are taking antihistamines, these medications should be stopped generally 5-7 days before your visit. Please refer to the list below of what includes antihistamines. If you are not able to stop taking them, the physician may choose to do bloodwork instead or defer skin testing for another time.
benadryl (diphenhydramine), atarax/vistaril (hydroxyzine), chlorpheniramine
claritin (loratadine), zyrtec (cetirizine), allegra (fexofenadine), xyzal (levocetirizine), clarinex (desloratadine)
nasal sprays: astepro (azelastine), dymista, patanase (olopatadine)
eye drops: patanol, pataday, pazeo (olopatadine), bepreve, zaditor/alaway (ketotifen), optivar (azelastine)- avoid 3 days prior to visit
cyproheptadine - avoid 11 days prior to visit
Beware that some OTC cold medications may also contain antihistamines (i.e. Dimetapp, some Robitussin and Tylenol products) which should also be avoided 5 days prior to visit. Oral and nasal steroids and all asthma inhalers should NOT be stopped before your visit.
