Welcome To Our Practice
Asthma and Allergy Associates of Florida, P.A. is one of the
largest Allergy / Immunology practices in South Florida, with six
doctors and 10 offices throughout Dade, Broward and Palm Beach
Counties. All of the doctors are either board-certified or
board-eligible for the American Board of Allergy & Immunology, and
many also are board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics
or Internal Medicine. With so many experts interacting, second
and third opinions on difficult diagnoses are readily available to
their patients.
In addition, each office is staffed by other health care
professionals who work closely with the doctors and patients in
administering tests and treatments. This leads to a smooth,
patient-friendly environment where appointments are kept on time
and patients needing shots can walk in without an appointment any
time the office is open.
Asthma and Allergy Associates of Florida, P.A. is focused on the
needs of our patients and their families, and we strive to make
each visit as comfortable as possible. We strongly encourage any
comments from patients on how to improve our practice.
Reasons People Come To Us
An allergist's office sees a wide range of problems. Asthma,
hayfever, as well as food and pet allergies are the first things that
come to mind. However, our patients often come to us with allergies
to dust, molds, insect stings, cosmetics and even medication.
Patients are often referred to us by their primary care physician
with symptoms that suggest an allergic condition. These include a
persistent cough, shortness of breath, sinus infections and
headaches, hives, chronic ear infections, bronchitis, recurring sore throat, itchy rashes, and possibly hyperactivity.
The Office Visit
You'll spend about an hour with us during your first visit as we
take a careful medical history and get to know you. You will also
have a physical examination during this first visit and we may draw some blood for
analysis.
You may also have an allergy skin test to
determine what you are allergic to, and it is possible you may also have
a lung function test to help discover if you have asthma. If you
do have asthma, our sophisticated Pulmonary Function
equipment can also help determine its severity and follow the
progress of your treatment.
After the tests are done, you'll have a thorough meeting with
the doctor where he or she will begin giving you information about
medication, diet and controlling your environment. This is where
you should ask all of your questions.
Patients should make regular appointments during their first
two years of care (about once every two to three months) so we can
measure progress and adjust medications.
About Diagnosis
Finding the cause of an allergic reaction is the most important
step in controlling it. While diagnostic techniques have gotten
more sophisticated over the years, the traditional alllergy skin
test is still the most accurate and efficient. Contrary to popular
belief, the tests are not painful, just mildly uncomfortable. The
skin test comes in a quickly applied "multitest" version, which
further reduces discomfort and is ideal for small children. Some
patients may have the "RAST" allergy blood test instead.
About Treatment
Once we know the cause of the problem, the first step is to
eliminate it from the patient's environment. For example, if you're
allergic to a particular food, avoiding that food is a simple
way to treat the problem. However, the cause is not always so
easily removed. This is the case with dust mites, which are
everywhere. But with protective items such as a special mattress
or pillow case covers, you can significantly reduce your exposure
to dust mites. If you're allergic to a favorite pet, there are
measures you can take (short of giving away the animal) that may
help with your symptoms.
Beyond environmental controls, there are many medications available
to combat symptoms and allow patients to lead a normal, comfortable
life. The staff of Asthma and Allergy Associates of Florida, of
course, is well-versed on all the latest treatments. We even
participate in research studies on medications that have not yet
hit the market.
About Shots
Allergy injections are such a common treatment in an allergist's office
that we make it as easy as possible for patients to get their shots.
No appointment is necessary and patients may drop in any time
during specified hours to get their injection.
Emergencies
One great advantage of being a patient at a large practice is
that an allergist is always available in an emergency. Should an
emergency occur when the offices are closed, call (305) 595-0109, and
a doctor will get back to you immediately.
Patient Responsibilities
We need your help in maintaining an efficient, high-quality operation.
So, we make the following requests:
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Please try to be on time for your appointment. This will assure
that other patients, with later appointments, will be seen in a
timely fashion.
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Let us know as soon as possible if you must cancel your
appointment. It is likely that another patient will be eager to take
your appointed time.
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Do not wear perfume or other fragrances when coming to the office.
It may cause an allergic reaction in other patients who follow you.
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Bring a list of your current medications and treatments when you
come to the office.
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And please remember, if you have insurance, to bring your insurance
card and referral paperwork if needed.
About Insurance and Billing
Asthma and Allergy Associates of Florida participates in most
insurance plans and will help you assess the extent of your coverage.
Where insurance does not fully cover treatment and there is a
problem paying us for your care, please let us know so we can try
to work out a convenient payment arrangement.
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