The following are frequent questions people have about our practice. If you have questions which are not listed, please feel free to call our office or e-mail the question to SouthernAllergy@southernallergy.net. If a particular question arises frequently enough, we will add it and our answer to this page. Click on a question below to automatically position your browser at the answer.
What is an Allergist / Immunologist?
Allergist-immunologists are physicians with extensive training in allergy and immunology. To become a board certified allergist / immunologist, one must successfully complete 4 years of medical school followed by 3 years of medical residency providing specialty training in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics. Those who succeeed in residency may take board certification exams for their specialty. Physicians who pass either the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) certification exam can apply for fellowship in Allergy and Immunology. If they are accepted into and successfully complete an Allergy and Immunology fellowship, physicians are allowed to take the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) certification exam. Those who pass this test receive board certification as allergist / immunologists.
Because of the rapid progress in our understanding of allergic / immunologic disorders and their management, physicians certified in Allergy and Immunology after 1989 are required to demonstrate knowledge and competency in the field every 10 years by undergoing a rigorous recertification process that ends with the ABAI recertification exam if they wish to maintain board certification. However, in order to help stay abreast of the rapidly accumulating knowledge in the field of allergy and immunology, many who certified prior to 1989 voluntarily choose to periodically take the ABAI recertification exam.
Board certified allergist / immunologists are the most highly trained physicians in allergic and immunologic disorders and are therefore the most qualified medical professionals for managing all aspects of these conditions. Their involvement in the care of people with disorders like allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis, for example, has been shown to improve control of their condition and quality of life (see M. Schatz, et al. 2005; S.E. Bagenstose and J.A. Bernstein, 2003; W.M. Vollmer, et al. 1997).
When should I see an Allergist / Immunologist?
Allergist / immunologists specialize in managing many conditions including allergic rhinitis, allergic eye disorders, asthma, atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), angioedema (a specific type of swelling), food allergies, drug allergies, and sting allergies, as well as primary immune deficiencies which can result in rare and / or frequent infections. An allergist / immunologist can help diagnose or rule out these conditions, and help keep them under good control if they are present. If you have or suspect any of these conditions, and your symptoms significantly impact your life, you could benefit from seeing an allergist / immunologist. Because asthma, food allergies, and sting allergies are potentially life threatening, it is especially wise of people with these conditions to work with an allergist in designing an optimal management plan.
What should I expect at my first visit?
The initial visit is more involved and therefore takes a little longer than most follow-up or return visits. Your allergist will have an in-depth discussion with you about your main concerns and relevant past medical history, including what medicines you take and questions about medical conditions in close relatives. You will be asked about environmental exposures (like pets, chemicals, etc) and any factors that you may have noted to improve or worsen your symptoms. You will be examined by your allergist and, depending on the circumstances, you may undergo testing to assess your breathing and / or allergic status. The breathing test is called spirometry and is administered in the office. It can help determine if asthma is present, and reveal other possibilities that can cause cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. The allergy evaluation typically involves skin testing. When done correctly, this is the most accurate and cost efficient method for determining your allergic status. Additional testing like chest x-rays, sinus CT scans, and laboratory studies may be ordered if indicated. The results of these ordered tests usually take one or more days to return.
Following the discussion, physical examination, and in-office testing, you will review with your allergist a plan of care designed to improve your symptoms and quality of life. The plan of care may include combinations of environmental measures to reduce allergen exposure, medications, and allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots), as well as other strategies. Because each person is different, the care plan is tailored to best fit each individual's circumstances.
What ages do you see?
Allergy and Immunology is a subspecialty of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, so fellowship-trained ABAI-certified allergist / immunologists are qualified to treat all ages of people. At Southern Allergy and Asthma, we see an approximately equal number of children and adults.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
This depends on your health insurance plan. Some insurance plans do require referral to see a specialist before they will fully cover expenses for a specialist office visit. Please check with your insurance company, or call us so we can check for you. We can also help you obtain a referral.
