Five (5) days before your visit

1. Prior Records - Gather and forward or bring all relevant outside records related to the issue for which you are being seen (office fax 617-739-7082). Relevant records would include any prior consultations/office notes, radiology reports, ER records, biopsy results, allergy consultations, skin test results and laboratory data from any primary or specialty physician who has evaluated you for the condition for which you are seeking care in our office. Having these in order in advance will significantly focus your assessment and shorten your waiting time during your visit.
2. Medications - If you require allergy testing, please do not take any anti-histamines for at least 5 days prior to your appointment. Common anti-histamines include:
   • Orally - Loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allergra), desloratadine (Clarinex), cetirizine (Zyrtec), hydroxyzine (Atarax), diphenhydramine, (Benadryl), all over the counter allergy and "cold" medications and sleep aids. If you have questions about your medications, please call our office.
   • Nasal sprays - Azelastine (Astepro), Patanase
   • Certain anti-reflux medications (Zantac, Pepcid) and tricyclic anti-depressants (i.e. Elavil) have antihistamine like properties. If you are taking these, please call our office in advance of your visit for advice as to whether to continue these medications.
   • Prepare a written list of all of your inhaled and oral medications on the clinical history form and bring it to your visit.
   • If you have any questions regarding your medications prior to your visit please contact our office.
3. Referral - If you are covered by an insurance plan that requires a referral/authorization in order for you to be seen by a specialist, please contact your primary care physician prior to your appointment for authorization. Your primary care physician may fax your records and/or authorization to: 617-739-7082.

On the day of your visit

1. What to eat - Eat a normal breakfast/lunch and maintain ample hydration prior to your visit.
2. What to wear - A shirt/blouse with short or loose fitting sleeves which can be rolled up easily to expose the forearm/upper arm is preferable.
3. Exercise - Patients are advised not to exercise vigorously for several hours before/after their assessment.
4. How long will I be there? (New Patients)
   • Depending on the complexity of your case, your having completed the advance materials as requested, and any diagnostic procedures which might be performed, initial consultations usually range from 75-120 minutes.
   • Children - As a significant portion of an initial consultation centers around obtaining a history and patient/parent education, parents bringing siblings/other children who are not the patient are advised to make adequate arrangements to supervise/occupy these children for the duration of the visit. This will enable our staff, the patient and parent(s) to focus on the needs of the patient through the duration of the visit.
5. What to bring
   • Forms - Completed registration, clinical history/medication list and relevant outside records. Completing this prior to arrival will significantly enhance your experience and shorten your waiting time at your assessment.
   • Medications - All current inhalers (with spacer devices), nasal sprays and oral medications (prescription and over the counter). Continue to take your inhaled asthma medications. Unless it is necessary for acute symptoms, asthma patients are asked to refrain from using rescue inhalers (Albuterol) during the 6-8 hours before their visit if possible.
   • Devices - Spacer devices, nebulizers/tubing sets, peak flow meters, and adrenaline injectors (if in your possession already).
   • ID - Insurance identification card and a valid picture ID to your appointment.
   • Referral - If you are covered by an insurance plan which requires an authorization in order for you to be seen by a specialist, please verify your primary care physician has provided this for you prior to your appointment.Your primary care physician may fax your records and referral to 617-739-7082. Any portion that is not covered by your referral or insurance (copay, coinsurance or deductible) is due at the time of service.