How to Prepare for Your First Appointment

Going to your first allergy appointment at Allergy Associates of La Crosse (AAOL) can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. These tips can help you feel prepared and ready for your initial testing appointment and get you on your way to feeling better.

Stop Certain Medications

Allergy testing is a key part of your first appointment. Testing, along with a thorough history and exam, is what will help put the puzzle pieces together to determine your allergic fingerprint. To prepare for testing, your provider may ask you to stop taking certain medications before your appointment to ensure accurate testing results.

If skin testing is part of your diagnostics, the clinic will send you this list of medications to avoid. Some must be stopped one week before, and some five days before. Please pay attention to this so that you don’t risk a “wasted” appointment – no testing means you’ll have to wait for another appointment.

Bring Materials and Questions

On the day of your appointment, try to arrive twenty minutes early to check in with our front desk. They’ll need your insurance card and your pre-visit paperwork (if you didn’t already submit it online!).

Once it’s time to meet with your provider, it’s always helpful to bring a list of your current medications, as well as a list of your questions. These two can be difficult to remember in the moment, so having them written down can make for an efficient appointment.

Wear Short Sleeves

Allergy skin testing is most often done on the arm, so wearing a short sleeve shirt can make that easier for the technician, and more comfortable for you. Bring a sweater to slip over if you need!

Avoid Triggers

At AAOL, you’ll be around patients with severe allergies, and we want to make everyone as safe and comfortable as possible. Avoid wearing scents, as some people are extremely sensitive.

The same goes for food. Please eat before your appointment, as sometimes they can take a few hours. If you need to bring in snacks for yourself or your child, check with our front desk for best places to eat. AAOL treats patients with severe food allergies, and we want to be sure they all feel safe and cared for while in our clinic.

Ask Questions

While an allergy appointment can be new and different, it shouldn’t be scary. We’re always available for questions or concerns, so don’t hesitate to reach out before your appointment.