Will this be your first visit to Alpha Allergy & Asthma Associates? Welcome!
For your convenience, it is important to us that you get a very clear picture of your first appointment, what you will need, and how to prepare, depending on the reason for your visit.
Scheduling Your Appointment
The fastest way to schedule your appointment is to call us at (301) 879-7700.
You may also complete the contact form to request a call back from us. When your appointment is scheduled, you will receive information to access the patient portal.
Alternatively, you may also “pre-register” yourself for a new patient visit via the patient portal.
You should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early for a new patient appointment, and please allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a new patient visit, especially if there will be any allergy testing performed.
New Patient Forms
You will be required to complete the following forms at the time of your first visit:
- Patient Agreement (includes Notice of Privacy Practices)
- Medical History Questionnaire
- Authorization to Release Information (if appropriate)
Forms for your first appointment are available to you through our patient portal.
Allergy Skin Testing
If allergy skin testing will be performed during your appointment, you will need to discontinue all antihistamines for at least 5 days prior to your visit. If you are unsure whether a medication that you are taking is an antihistamine, please call us and we will review your medications with you.
MORE DETAILS
Benadryl: Please discontinue use at least 24 hours before your visit.
Over-the-Counter Cold Medications: You may continue up to 3 days before your appointment.
Asthma Medicines: You should continue with your asthma medications and inhalers.
GI (Gastrointestinal) Medication: Certain Gastrointestinal medications must be stopped at least 2 days before your appointment (e.g. Cimetidine, Pepcid, Ranitidine, Tagamet, Zantac). Call to check whether your GI medications need to be stopped before skin testing.
Nasal sprays: You should also stop taking antihistamine nasal sprays (e.g. Astepro, Dymista, Patanase, etc) 2 days before appointment. You may continue taking steroid nasal sprays (e.g. Flonase, etc) without interruption. Please see patient portal or call for complete list.
Appointment Policies
We take great care to make sure that the time reserved for your appointment is available to you. We ask that you let us know 24 hours in advance should you need to reschedule your appointment time.
Other Policies
Food: In consideration of our patients with food allergies, please avoid bringing food into our office on the day of your visit, unless specifically instructed to do so by an Alpha Allergy & Asthma staff member.
Perfumes / Fragrances: Please avoid strong perfumes, fragrances or scented lotions in consideration of many of our patients with respiratory symptoms or who are extremely sensitive to scents.
Insurance Plans / Payment Policies
Payment: We accept cash, checks, VISA, MasterCard. We require payment of any applicable co-payments at the time of service.
Insurance: We accept most major insurance plans. For a more detailed list, please visit page: Accepted Insurance Plans.
Directions & Map
For Map & Directions, please see our contact page.
Your Feedback
Your feedback is very important to us. Do you have some thoughts or suggestions for inclusion on this page? Please let us know when you visit our Allergy and Asthma Center in Silver Spring.