POLLEN COUNT
If you suspect you or your child has allergies or asthma, you need an allergy specialist who can accurately diagnose and treat these chronic health conditions. Below are guidelines for selecting an allergy specialist with the qualifications and bedside manner to ensure you are receiving the best possible treatment.
1. Recognize You Need Assessment and Treatment
Most people who have allergy symptoms understand they need some type of symptom management. Whether it is using an over-the-counter medication, avoiding triggers like pet dander and household dust, or keeping a journal of symptoms, allergy sufferers must work hard to feel better.
However, treatment from an allergy specialist is essential for many adults and children whose lives are seriously impacted by their allergy and asthma symptoms. It is common for people with allergies to wake up at night due to wheezing or congestion, miss days from school or work, not exercise without being symptomatic, and/or have to go to the hospital emergency room for fast assessment and treatment of a bee sting or food reaction.
If you fall into one of more of these categories,make an appointment with an allergy specialist. Allergy specialists are board-certified in allergy treatment and immunology, and they offer a long list of assessment and symptom management strategies, including skin prick testing, immunotherapy (allergy shots), oral medications, prevention plans, and more.
2. Ask for a Referral
Likely, you have told your primary care physician about your allergies. When it is time to seek treatment from a specialist, ask your doctor for a referral to an allergist suited to your needs. You also can consult reliable friends and relatives about which allergists they like.
3. Check the Doctor’s Credentials and Experience
After compiling a list of possible allergists in your area, visit their websites to read about their education, board-certification, years in practice and areas of sub-specialization, such as pediatrics or skin allergies. You can also read patient reviews on Google or Healthgrades.com to learn what real patients have to say about their experience with a particular doctor.
4. Verify That the Practice Accepts Your Insurance
Call the practice to speak with the insurance specialist and verify the doctor is in-network with your carrier. Also, call your health insurance provider to check the same information in addition to what copays you may be responsible for and how many visits you are allowed. Understand your financial obligations in advance so you are not surprised afterwards.
5. Arrange an In-Office Consultation
Speaking with the allergist face to face will tell you a lot about communication style and what tests and treatments you may need. Prepare questions ahead of time and get them answered to your satisfaction.
During your visit, you will learn if the doctor’s appointments run on time, what the treatment areas are like, and about other elements important to your comfort and convenience. Bottom line–if you are not at ease with the doctor or the staff, move on to another specialist on your list.
Allergy Specialist in Downers Grove, Illinois
At Oak Brook Allergists, our three board-certified physicians treat both adults and children. We feature convenient weekend and evening hours to help you get the relief you need fast.
Call us to arrange an in-office consultation at (630) 574-0460 or request a visit online.
We know you will like our expert, compassionate care and the results, too!
