Allergy Testing in Atlanta, GA: What to Expect on Your First Visit

If you’re ready to take control of your allergy symptoms, scheduling your first allergy testing appointment is a simple process. Our board-certified allergists are dedicated to providing comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

To get started, you can easily request an appointment by visiting our website or calling our office directly. Dr. Jon Stahlman, M.D., is available to answer your questions, help you find a convenient appointment time, and guide you through the new patient process. We also offer online scheduling for added convenience.

When you contact the Allergy & Asthma Center, please have your basic personal information ready, along with details about your symptoms and any relevant medical history. If you have health insurance, keep your insurance card handy so we can verify your coverage. Our team will inform you if you need to follow any specific instructions before your visit, such as pausing certain medications before allergy testing.

After your appointment is confirmed, we’ll let you know what to bring to your first visit—including a photo ID, your insurance information, and a list of your current medications. If you have any questions or concerns about the allergy testing process, feel free to ask our staff when you schedule your appointment.

Whether you need a referral to see one of our allergy and asthma specialists at the Allergy & Asthma Center depends on your health insurance plan. Here’s what you should know:

● HMO Plans: If you have a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) insurance plan, you will generally need a referral from your primary care doctor before you can schedule an appointment with us. Your primary care provider coordinates your care and helps manage your treatment plan and costs. Be sure to contact your primary care office to request a referral before booking your visit to the Allergy & Asthma Center.

● PPO Plans: If your insurance is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan, you typically do not need a referral to see our specialists. However, staying within your insurance network can help minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.

● Other Services: Some insurance plans may have special requirements for certain services we offer, such as allergy testing, immunotherapy, or breathing tests. Even if you do not need a referral to see a specialist, your insurance may require prior authorization for specific procedures.

What Should You Do Next?

● Check With Your Insurance: Before making an appointment at the Allergy & Asthma Center, we recommend contacting your insurance company to confirm whether a referral is needed for allergy or asthma care and if our providers are in your network.

● Ask Our Office: Our staff is happy to help you understand your insurance requirements. Feel free to call us with your insurance information, and we can help guide you through the process.

● Avoid Surprises: Checking these details in advance can help prevent unexpected bills or denied claims.

If you are scheduled for allergy testing at the Allergy & Asthma Center, it is very important to inform our providers about all medications you are currently taking, especially those used to manage allergies. Many common allergy medications—such as antihistamines—can interfere with the accuracy of allergy tests by suppressing your body’s allergic response. This suppression can potentially lead to false-negative results, making it difficult to identify your specific allergies.

To ensure the most accurate results, our allergy specialists typically recommend that you stop taking oral antihistamines several days before your scheduled appointment. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medication. The recommended time frame to discontinue these medications is usually between 3 to 7 days before your test, but our team will provide you with specific instructions based on your individual needs.

Other allergy related medications, such as certain nasal sprays and eye drops, may also affect testing. However, some medications—like inhaled steroids for asthma—usually do not interfere with allergy testing. You mustn’t stop any prescribed medication without first consulting with our provider. Some medications are important for your ongoing health and should only be adjusted under medical supervision.

Before your allergy test, please reach out to our office for personalized instructions. Our allergists will review your medical history and current medications to give you the most accurate guidance for preparing for your test. Your safety and the accuracy of your results are our top priorities.

To help your visit and ensure you receive the best possible care, please gather the following items before your appointment:

● List of Current Medications: Bring a detailed list of all current medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, inhalers, allergy medications, vitamins, and supplements. This helps our providers understand your current regimen and avoid potential drug interactions.

● Medical and Allergy History: Please collect information on your past medical history, such as previous diagnoses (especially related to allergies, eczema, asthma, or other respiratory conditions), hospitalizations, surgeries, and any relevant immunization records. Be sure to note any known allergies—especially to medications, foods, or environmental triggers—as this is crucial for your care.

● Recent Test Results: If you have had any recent allergy testing, breathing tests (such as spirometry), chest X-rays, or lab work done at another facility, bring copies of these results. This information can help our team better assess your condition and avoid duplicate testing.

● Insurance and Identification: Bring your insurance card and a valid photo ID for registration and billing purposes.

● Completed Forms: If our office provided you with any forms or questionnaires to fill out ahead of time—such as symptom checklists or new patient paperwork—please complete these and bring them with you.

● Questions and Concerns: It’s helpful to write down any questions, concerns, or specific symptoms (such as frequency of asthma attacks, exposure to allergens, or reaction patterns) that you want to discuss. This ensures you don’t forget important details during your visit.

Being prepared with these items will help your appointment run efficiently and allow our team at the Allergy & Asthma Center to provide you with the highest quality care for your allergy and asthma needs. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2987 Clairmont Rd #175, Atlanta, GA 30329. We serve patients from Lawrenceville GA, Atlanta GA, Conyers GA, Scottdale GA, Tucker GA, Rock Chapel Rd GA, Klondike Rd GA, Suwanee GA, Moon Place Rd GA and Dacula GA.