Frequently Asked Questions
My First Appointment
New patients should completely fill out the New Patient Packet before their first appointment. The Doctor encourages everyone to complete the New Patient Packet before arriving for an appointment. Over the years, we have found that people who complete the New Patient Packet well in advance of their appointment provide detailed, thoughtful responses, which greatly aids the initial assessment.
First appointments can last up to 90 minutes.
Do not take any medications containing an antihistamine for at least 72 hours before your first appointment. Antihistamines are not only common in allergy medications, but other medications as well.
Absolutely! Dr. Pienkowski commonly sees patients who are referred to for "allergies and asthma." However, Dr. Pienkowski treats the person, not supposed conditions. To effectively evaluate a person's complete health, Dr. Pienkowski must know what medications that person is taking, even including OTC vitamins!
Please, do not skip a meal on our behalf.
Patients are ordinarily able to drive themselves home, barring unexpected circumstances.
Medications
In general, Dr. Pienkowski requests his patients not take any antihistamines before a first appointment. Common antihistamines are either found in prescribed medications or OTC medications.
A. Prescribed Antihistamines include:
1. Atarax, Vistaril (hydroxyzine)
2. Clarinex (desloratadine)
3. Cyproheptadine (generic only)
4. Emadine (emadastine) eyedrops
5. Palgic (carbinoxamine)
6. Xyzal (levocetirizine)
B. OTC Antihistamines include:
1. Allegra (fexofenadine)
2. Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
3. Dimetane (brompheniramine)
4. Claritin, Alavert (loratadine)
5. Tavist (clemastine)
6. Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)
7. Zyrtec (certirizine)
Diagnostic Methods
Dr. Pienkowski may determine a variety of diagnostic methods are appropriate, depending on the particular patient. One diagnostic tool Dr. Pienkowski uses is commonly referred to as a "skin test".
Common diagnostic tests include:
- The Percutaneous Method: Used to determine the best course of treatment. Allergen extracts are placed on the back. Once absorbed by the skin, Dr. Pienkowski determines which allergens caused a clinically significant reaction.
- 2. The Intercutaneous Method: More accurately determines the best course of treatment. Allergen extract is injected under the skin's surface. After the waiting period, Dr. Pienkowski will asses which allergens caused a reaction.
Testing varies from patient to patient. The doctor may determine that testing for both environmental and food allergies is appropriate.
Yes, While the Doctor may relay on his staff to prepare you for the test, Dr. Pienkowski personally supervises testing procedures and is solely responsible for assessing results.
Dr. Pienkowski adamantly believes that allowing anybody but himself to supervise diagnostic tests and assess the results violates his duty as a physician. These diagnostic tests require a specialists trained eye and Dr. Pienkowski prides himself on never cutting corners.
After Dr. Pienkowski gathers the required information, he will personally explain the results and provide his clinical assessment of your condition. If the Doctor determines that you will benefit form follow-up treatment, he will advise you accordingly.
Evaluating Children
Dr. Pienkowski treats children and infants.
Effective strategies to distracting your child include bringing a favorite book or portable device capable of playing a movie or TV show.
No, the tests we perform feel like tickles on ones back.
Payment
The answer depends on a variety of factors. The service each person receives depends on Dr. Pienkowski's evaluation and subsequent recommendation, which one may choose to accept or decline.
If you have not yet met your deductible you will be responsible for the cost of the appointment and the services provided.
We accept these major Cards: Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
Payment plans are available for patients who demonstrate financial need.
Yes, Cash pay patients are offered varying discounts, dependent on whether the payment is in full or in installments.
Yes, collecting copay at the time of service is our, and your, contractural responsibility with your insurance company.
No, we only bill after your claim has been submitted and paid by your insurance company.