Your First Allergy Appointment: What to Expect at Our Clinic in Suffern, NY

Getting started with Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland is simple and straightforward. Our board-certified allergists specialize in diagnosing and treating allergies and asthma for patients throughout Rockland County and the surrounding areas. If you think you have allergies or asthma, scheduling your first appointment with our team can be done in just a few steps:

● Referrals & Insurance: Many insurance plans require a referral from your primary care physician. We recommend checking with your insurance provider or giving our office a call to confirm if a referral is needed. Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland participates with most major insurance plans, and our staff will be happy to help verify your coverage.

● Contacting Us: Call our office directly or request an appointment through our website. Our friendly staff will assist you in finding a convenient appointment time and answer any questions about our Rockland location, hours, or providers.

● Patient Preparation: When you call, please have your insurance information handy, along with a brief description of your symptoms. If you have had previous allergy testing or treatments, let us know so we can obtain your records if necessary.

For your first visit to Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, please bring the following:
● Your insurance card and a photo ID
● A list of your current medications
● Records from previous allergy or asthma treatments, if available
● A completed new patient form, which can be downloaded from our website or filled out in the office
● Before Your Visit

Some allergy tests require you to stop taking certain medications (such as antihistamines) before your appointment. When you schedule, ask our staff if you need to make any medication adjustments before your visit.

Whether you need a referral to see a specialist at Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland depends on your health insurance plan and the type of services you require. If you have a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan, your insurance may require you to obtain a referral from your primary care physician before scheduling an appointment with our allergy and asthma specialists. This referral process helps coordinate your care and ensures that allergy testing, asthma evaluations, and other treatments are medically necessary and covered by your insurance.

If you are enrolled in a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan, you may be able to visit Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland without a referral. PPO plans typically offer more flexibility in choosing specialists but may have higher out-of-pocket costs if you see providers outside of their network. Our office participates with many major insurance plans, but we recommend confirming with your insurance provider to ensure we are in-network.

Some services—such as urgent or emergency care—may not require a referral regardless of your plan. However, requirements can vary, so it’s essential to review your specific insurance policy or contact your insurance company for guidance. Our office staff is also happy to assist you with insurance questions and can help you determine whether you need a referral for your visit.

If you have an upcoming appointment, you might be wondering whether you should continue taking your allergy medications. The answer depends on the nature of your appointment and the tests your provider may perform. Here’s what you need to know:

For most routine check-ups or follow-up visits at our office, you can typically continue your prescribed allergy medications, including antihistamines, nasal sprays, or inhalers—unless one of our providers has instructed you otherwise. However, if you are scheduled for allergy testing, such as skin prick or patch testing, it’s important to know that certain medications can affect your results.

Medications like oral antihistamines can interfere with skin testing by blocking allergic reactions, which may lead to inaccurate results. Usually, you will need to stop taking these medications three to seven days before your test. The exact timing depends on the specific medication you are using. Other medications, such as corticosteroid nasal sprays or leukotriene inhibitors, may not need to be stopped, but this can vary by individual and test type.

Because each patient and situation is unique, always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team. If you have not received specific guidance or if you are unsure which medications to stop and when, please contact our office before your appointment. Our staff will be happy to review your current medications and provide personalized instructions to ensure accurate test results and your ongoing health and safety.

To ensure you receive the most effective care, it’s important to come prepared with detailed information about your health. This will help our team better understand your unique medical needs and tailor your allergy or asthma treatment plan accordingly.

What to Bring:
● Medication List: Please bring a complete list of all medications you are currently taking. This should include prescription medications for allergies, asthma inhalers, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and any herbal supplements. Be sure to note the dosage and how often you take each.

● Allergy Details: Make a note of any known allergies—including medications, foods, environmental triggers (like pollen, dust, animal dander), or other substances. Please also let us know if you’ve had any allergic reactions in the past, such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.

● Medical History: Bring information about your past and current medical conditions, especially respiratory issues, previous allergy testing, sinus problems, or any history of eczema or other allergic conditions. Include any prior hospitalizations, surgeries, or significant illnesses.

● Test Results: If you have copies of recent allergy or asthma tests, breathing tests (like spirometry), imaging studies, or reports from other specialists, please bring them with you.

● Family History: Allergies and asthma can run in families. If any close family members have asthma, hay fever, eczema, or food allergies, let us know.

● Insurance and Identification: Please bring your current health insurance card and a valid photo ID.

By bringing this information to your appointment, you’ll help our providers at Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland make a more accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. We look forward to partnering with you in your care! For more information, contact us or book an online appointment. We are conveniently located at 222 NY-59 # 205, Suffern, NY 10901. We serve patients from Suffern NY, Monroe NY, New City NY, Spring Valley NY, Monsey NY, Airmont NY and Mahwah NJ.