What Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Does

Atlanta Allergy & Asthma is a medical practice in the Atlanta area that diagnoses and treats allergies and asthma. It is a private medical provider, not a government program or insurance plan. When you visit, you see allergists and asthma specialists who perform tests, prescribe medications, and create treatment plans based on what triggers your symptoms.

The practice operates as a standard medical office. You need health insurance, a referral (depending on your plan), or the ability to pay out of pocket. The office handles scheduling, testing, and follow-up care in person or sometimes by phone. They do not determine your insurance coverage or handle benefit claims — your insurance company does that.

Key Takeaways

  • Atlanta Allergy & Asthma is a private medical practice where allergists diagnose and treat allergies and asthma, not a government program or insurance benefit.
  • You will need to call the office directly to schedule an appointment, and most insurance plans require a referral from your primary care doctor first.
  • The first visit usually includes a medical history, physical exam, and allergy testing (skin tests or blood tests) to identify what you react to.
  • Treatment options range from medications and inhalers to allergy shots or immunotherapy, depending on your specific condition and test results.
  • Your insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan, not on the practice — contact your insurance company to understand your benefits before your visit.

How to Schedule Your First Appointment

Contact the Atlanta Allergy & Asthma office by phone to request an appointment. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, insurance information (if you have it), and a brief description of your symptoms. The office staff will tell you what documents to bring and whether you need a referral from your primary care doctor.

Most health insurance plans require a referral before you see a specialist. If your plan does, you will need to contact your primary care doctor's office and request one. The referral is usually sent electronically to Atlanta Allergy & Asthma, but confirm this with both offices. If you do not have insurance or your plan does not require a referral, you can often schedule directly.

Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and a list of any medications you currently take. If you have previous medical records from another doctor, bring those too. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete intake paperwork.

What Happens During Your First Visit

Your first appointment typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour. The doctor will ask detailed questions about when your symptoms started, what triggers them, how often they occur, and how they affect your daily life. They will also ask about your family history of allergies and asthma, past medical conditions, and current medications.

After the history, the doctor performs a physical exam, usually listening to your lungs with a stethoscope and checking your nose and throat. They may also perform allergy testing on the same day. Skin testing involves small scratches or pricks on your arm or back with tiny amounts of common allergens; you wait 15 to 20 minutes to see if a reaction appears. Blood testing (sometimes called RAST or specific IgE testing) requires a small sample sent to a lab, with results available in a few days.

Based on your symptoms and test results, the doctor will discuss what is causing your reactions and recommend a treatment plan. This might include over-the-counter or prescription medications, an inhaler, lifestyle changes, or allergy shots. They will explain how to use any medications and when to follow up.

Treatment Options the Practice Offers

Atlanta Allergy & Asthma offers several treatment approaches depending on your diagnosis. Medications include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Inhalers (rescue inhalers for sudden symptoms and controller inhalers for daily use) are prescribed for asthma.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) involve regular injections of small amounts of allergens over months or years to reduce your sensitivity. Sublingual immunotherapy uses tablets placed under the tongue instead of injections. The doctor will discuss which option fits your situation, how long treatment takes, and what results you can expect.

The practice also provides education about avoiding triggers, managing symptoms at home, and recognizing when symptoms are worsening. They may refer you to other specialists if your condition involves complications or requires additional care.

Understanding Your Insurance and Costs

Your out-of-pocket costs depend entirely on your insurance plan, not on Atlanta Allergy & Asthma. Before your appointment, contact your insurance company to find out: whether the practice is in your network, what your copay is for a specialist visit, whether you have a deductible you need to meet first, and what percentage of testing and treatment costs you pay.

If you do not have insurance, call the office and ask about their cash-pay rates. Many practices offer discounts for uninsured patients or payment plans. Some medications and inhalers are available as generic versions, which cost less than brand names.

Do not assume the office will bill your insurance automatically — confirm this when you schedule. Some practices require payment at the time of visit and you submit the bill yourself, while others file claims directly. Ask which applies to you.

What to Do If You Need Follow-Up Care

After your first visit, the doctor will tell you when to return. If you started allergy shots, you will have frequent appointments (usually weekly or twice weekly) for several months, then monthly visits for maintenance. If you are on medications alone, you might return in 4 to 6 weeks to see how well the treatment is working, then annually for check-ups.

Between visits, contact the office if your symptoms worsen, if a medication causes side effects, or if you have questions about your treatment. Many practices have a nurse line or patient portal where you can send messages. If you have a severe allergic reaction or difficulty breathing, go to an emergency room or call 911 — do not wait for an office appointment.

Keep track of your symptoms and what triggers them. Write down when symptoms occur, what you were doing, and what you took to feel better. Bring this information to follow-up visits so the doctor can adjust your treatment if needed.

When to Seek Care Elsewhere

If you have a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, chest pain), go to an emergency room when ready. If you develop new symptoms that seem unrelated to allergies or asthma, see your primary care doctor first to rule out other conditions.

If you are not seeing improvement after several weeks of treatment, or if you have side effects from medications, tell your doctor at your next visit. They may adjust your plan or refer you to another specialist. If you feel the practice is not a good fit for you, you can seek care from another allergist — there is no obligation to stay with one provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see Atlanta Allergy & Asthma?

Most insurance plans require a referral from your primary care doctor, but some do not. Call your insurance company to check your specific plan. If you do not have insurance or your plan does not require a referral, you can usually schedule directly by calling the office.

How long does allergy testing take?

Skin testing takes 30 to 45 minutes total — the doctor applies allergens to your skin, you wait 15 to 20 minutes for reactions to appear, then the doctor reads the results. Blood testing takes only a few minutes for the blood draw, but results come back in several days.

Can I start allergy shots right away?

No. The doctor must first test you to confirm what you are allergic to, then create a custom serum for your specific allergens. This preparation takes one to two weeks. Once ready, you begin with small doses and gradually increase over months before reaching a maintenance dose.

What if my insurance does not cover the practice?

Call the office and ask about cash-pay rates and payment options. Many practices offer discounts for uninsured or out-of-network patients. You can also ask your insurance company for a list of in-network allergists in your area.

Can I get a prescription refill without coming in for an appointment?

Many practices allow refills by phone or through a patient portal for established patients. Call the office and ask. If your condition has changed or you have not been seen in over a year, the doctor may require an appointment before refilling.