Your Visit

What to expect when you visit?

This information applies to both adults and children.

Your first visit generally includes obtaining a medical history, examination, and testing. Based on the evaluation the doctor will formulate a diagnosis and recommend treatment options. The treatment plan which you and your doctor have chosen will be outlined in detail. Education regarding your diagnosis and treatment plan is an important part of your initial visit. Our goal is to arrive at a treatment plan which allows you to take control of your symptoms. At any time during your visit, please feel free to ask questions.

For your first visit, expect to spend about one hour at the clinic after the initial evaluation by the doctor. This is to allow adequate time for consultation with the doctor, comprehensive testing and treatment plan.

What is allergy skin testing?

The skin testing for allergies is quick and fairly painless. We use modern testing methods that do away with the needles for skin testing.

The best way to prepare a child is to place a hairbrush with bristles on their back, gradually increasing the pressure and frequency up to 2-3 times a day about 2-4 days before the visit.

Depending on their allergic sensitivity, you may experience some itching at the time of testing. This usually subsides within 15-20 minutes, and very rarely lasts more than 24 hours.

For more information on our approach, visit the Allergy Testing page.

Before your appointment...

For reliable skin testing results, DO NOT take antihistamines for 1 week before the visit, as long as the symptoms are manageable.

Antihistamines are medications that can interfere with the results of skin testing. Some of the most common antihistamines are: Benadryl, Allegra, Claritin, or Zyrtec, Alavert (Loratadine), Actifed, Astelin, Chlor-Trimeton, Chlorpheniramine, Clarinex, Claritin-D allergy, Drixoral, Dimetane, Atarax (Hydroxyzine), Cogentin, Dimetapp, Doxepin, Duravent-DA, Periactin, Cyproheptadine, Rondec, Rynatan, Sudafed Cold, Tavist, Trinalin, Tylenol PM, etc.

Some tranquilizers, cough medications, and sleeping aids may also contain an antihistamine. If you are not sure, please check with your pharmacist.

If you have questions about the content of your medication, please call your pharmacist. Medication you have been prescribed for other chronic medical conditions, such as heart problems, or inhaled medications for your chest or nose, should not be stopped.

Inhalers and nasal sprays are OK to continue. It is also OK to continue medications containing steroids such as prednisone.

What information to provide during your appointment?

  • Your current insurance card(s)

  • Referral number and co-payment, if required by insurance

  • Relevant records about your medical history, if available

  • Name and dosages of prescriptions and/or over-the-counter medications

  • In consideration to patients with allergies, we do NOT allow foods, drinks, strong perfumes or odors, and pets during in-person visits. Well behaved pets are welcome to be present during Tele visit appointments! Exceptions also include tolerated drinks for infants in containers, and working service dogs for performing special tasks (proper documentation required)

  • Payment and Insurance Information

  • Asthma and Allergy Specialists, PC is an "in-network" provider for most major insurance plans, some of which are listed here. If in doubt, please call your insurance company or check their website under providers. You are responsible for charges that are not covered by your insurance, at the time of your appointment.

  • Your insurance company may require a co-payment at the time of your Telehealth or Office Visit appointment. Payment is expected at the time of service. We accept cash, check, MasterCard and Visa.

  • We currently do NOT accept Mass Health, Medicare, Medicaid, Free Care or Medicare without secondary. A self-pay option is available.

  • If you have questions regarding billing or which insurance plans we accept, please contact your insurance carrier or benefits manager for detailed information. You can also call our office to verify.

  • We accept payment by cash, check, and Credit Cards (Mastercard, Visa)

  • Cancelation fee of $25 may be charged if you cancel within 24 hours prior to your appointment slot.

  • Please call the office as soon as possible if you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment. We do require 24 hour notice for cancellations. We will be happy to reschedule your appointment to another time.

  • Please check with your insurance carrier if you need a referral. It is your responsibility to have the referral in place before the appointment.

  • Provide the following information to your primary care provider to request a referral to see Dr. Krishna:

  • Name: Dr. Vandana Krishna Specialty: Allergy & Immunology NPI: 1891776746 Office fax: (781) 369-1493