Initial Visit

The purpose of this visit is to obtain comprehensive insights into your medical status so we may determine if an allergy assessment is in your best interest.  This assessment usually entails a history and physical exam and appropriate laboratory tests.  Allergy skin tests or blood tests to determine sensitivity may be indicated.  Pulmonary function studies of challenge procedures may be recommended.  If you cannot keep an appointment, please call us as early as possible to cancel and reschedule your visit; otherwise, a late fee of $25 may be incurred.

Treatment

When appropriate information has been assembled, a follow up is held to ensure your thorough understanding of the doctor’s recommendation.  It is often necessary to have further instructions from our staff regarding medication, diet, and environmental control. You are encouraged to ask questions to acquire this understanding.  We urge you to take advantage of the educational materials available from this practice.

Emergencies

When an urgent problem arises, there should never be a time when immediate care is not available to you from this practice.  After hours emergency calls will be relayed via our answering service to Dr. Song or the physician on call for prompt attention.  If for any reason we are not available, please go to the nearest emergency room and notify us from there.

Prescriptions

Many prescriptions are refillable from your pharmacy upon request. Please monitor your medication needs and request prescription and medication refills during office hours. Please provide us with your pharmacy name, location, and phone number prior to calling for medication refill requests. 

Fees and Insurance

In order to keep down the cost of your medical care, we require payment of co-pays and/or deductibles at the time of your visit. We know questions can arise about insurance matters and these should be discussed with our office manager.  We will be happy to help you receive maximum benefits.  However, the agreement to pay for medical care is a contract between you and your insurance company.  Please feel free to speak to our office manager if you have any questions regarding fees or need to make special arrangements for payment.

The Telephone Appointment

Our staff is instructed to determine from any caller the nature of her/his calls.  It is imperative that we be thoroughly advised of the problem.  Urgent needs are attended to immediately.  Office staff will relay physician instructions when appropriate.  As necessary, a return call from the physician will be made as soon as possible.

Calls for appointments are made with our office staff during regular office hours.  When our office is closed, you may leave a message with our answering service.  Our office staff calls every morning to check messages and will call you to arrange appointments if necessary.

Allergy Testing

Traditional allergy skin tests remain the most sensitive and inexpensive diagnostic test for true allergy.  Blood test (RSAT or enzyme analysis) measures the same sensitizing antibody as the skin tests.  Because of expense and technical limitations, these blood tests are reserved for special circumstances and are discussed with the patient before being used.  Skin tests are relatively painless. We are happy to demonstrate this procedure on parents of young children.

Allergy Injections

As a matter of policy, this office recommends to patients that allergy injections be given under a physician’s supervision.  Arrangements may be made to have injection materials transferred should you move or be away at school so that allergy injections can be administered according to our instructions.  A detailed outline of the mechanics for receiving this therapy is provided to each patient before starting injections.

It is our goal to offer both scheduled and immediate care in our office.  If a patient presents an urgent condition, she/he will receive our immediate attention.  We trust you understand our desire to meet the needs of all our patients while respecting the value of your time and convenience.