NEW PATIENT
Thank you for choosing Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Associates of South Texas. We are committed to the success of your medical treatment. For your convenience, we have answered a variety of frequently asked questions.
Hours of Operation
| MAIN OFFICE | SOUTHSIDE | ||
| Monday 8am-5pm | IT: 8am-4:40pm | Monday-Friday 8am-5pm | IT: 8am-4:40pm |
| Tuesday 8am-5pm | IT: 8am-4:40pm | ||
| Wednesday 8am-7pm | IT: 8am-6:40pm | STONE OAK | |
| Thursday 8am-5pm | IT: 8am-4:40pm | Monday 8am-5pm | IT: 8am-4:40pm |
| Friday 8am-1pm | IT: 8am-12:40pm | Wednesday 8am-5pm | IT: 7:35am-4:40pm |
| Saturday 8am-12pm | IT: 8am-11:40pm | Thursday 8am-5pm | IT: 8am-4:40pm |
What to Expect
PLEASE ALLOW 1 1/2 TO 2 HOURS FOR YOUR INITIAL APPOINTMENT. Your initial appointment will include a consultation, followed by a physical exam and testing as time allows. The consultation includes a full assessment of current and past medical history, family history, environmental history and social history.
What to Bring
Bring all medications (not just allergy medication). Bring your insurance card and referral if one is required. Previous medical records will be requested at your first visit.
Skin Test
Testing will consist of scratch and/or intradermal (just below the skin) type tests. The number and type of testing performed will depend on your age and condition. Generally, the test is well-tolerated, even in very young children. Testing takes 20-25 minutes. Results are discussed after testing is completed. Recommendations and options for treatment are discussed during the visit.
Please Stop All Antihistamine Medicines Four Days Before Your Appointment.
Failure to do so will result in inaccurate skin test results. Re-testing may then be required. You MAY continue to use your asthma inhalers, nasal inhalers (other than Astelin) and decongestant medications. See our WEB site or ask an employee for a list of common antihistamines to avoid.
Appointments
Scheduled appointments are necessary to see a provider. If you have an urgent concern, please let us know. We will make every effort to schedule you the same day of your request. However, this is not always possible. Your primary care provider should be contacted for any emergency, as referrals are often required prior to appointment in our clinic. Your primary care provider will be updated on all services provided by our office.
We would Appreciate a 24 Hour Notice before Cancellations
If you need to reschedule your appointment, we require a 24 hour notice. Canceling your appointment the same days is a "no-show". Three no-shows within a six-month period can result in discharge from our practice. We reserve the right to charge a $25.00 fee for no-shows and cancellations without 24-hour notice. This fee is not covered by your insurance carrier.
For Routine Appointments or Non-Urgent Questions
Please call during our normal office hours. Our receptionist will record the necessary information and notify the appropriate team member. Your call will be returned by a medical assistant or provider as soon as possible.
Prescription Refills
Please call before you run out of medication. Have the pharmacy number ready. Refills will not be called in if you have not been evaluated in our office within the past year. Also, it is difficult to diagnose a condition over the phone. Many allergic and infectious problems have similar symptoms and require an examination for accurate treatment. Therefore, we request you make an appointment. Please let the receptionist know you are ill. Your appointment will be made with the first available provider within a 2-3 day period.
Medical Forms
When making a request for FMLA, school forms, disability forms, etc, please allow five business days for medical personnel to complete these forms. There is a $5.00 fee for completion of each form.
After Hours
Please leave a message with the answering service. An on-call staff member will be reached for URGENT concerns only. Prescription refills will be handled the next business morning.
Allergy Injections Immunizations
Injections/immunizations are given on a walk-in basis. Please sign in, and one of our medical assistants will call your name when it is time to receive your injection. We require that you wait in our clinic for 15-20 minutes after receiving an allergy injection. Please arrive no later than 20 minutes before the clinic closes to receive your injection/immunization.
Filing Insurance
Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. As a courtesy, we will file your insurance claim for you provided we have a current assignment of benefits. We have agreements with many insurance companies to file your benefits with them. You will be responsible to pay your copay, coinsurance and/or deductible at the time services are received. If your insurance does not pay the practice within a 90-day period, you will be held responsible for payment.
How Will I Know What My Benefits Are?
It is your insurance policy. You are responsible to know your benefits. However, on your first visit, we will obtain your benefits from your primary insurance carrier. However, the benefits given are not a guarantee, and we are not responsible for incorrect information quoted.
Referrals
Many insurance plans require referrals for office appointments and shot visits. It is your responsibility to obtain the appropriate referrals from the office of your primary care provider PRIOR to your visit. Any fees for unapproved visits will be your responsibility.
Our Fees and Financial Policies
We welcome you to ask any questions you may have regarding our fees, account balances, or insurance payments. An account representative is available to assist you with your insurance questions. At any time, you may phone our Practice Administrator regarding any concern you may have.
Payment For An Office Visit/Shot Visit is Due at the Time of Service.
For your convenience, we accept personal checks, cash and Visa or Master card. We will file a claim for your visit with your insurance company. We participate with many insurance companies. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance carrier for network benefits.