VA - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How can I schedule an appointment?
- What do I need to bring to my appointment?
- Is there anything I need to know before my first appointment?
- Do you accept my insurance?
- How does Allergy Skin testing work? Is it Painful?
- What type of allergens do you test for?
- I have a question about a billing statement. Who should I call?
- What questions should I ask my health insurance company?
Scheduling an appointment is easy! Either call the office you would like to schedule with using our Locations page, or you can submit your information through our online Make an Appointment page and we will respond to you within the business day.
Please bring with you a copy of your insurance card, a photo ID, and any copay required by your insurance. If you are a new patient, please arrive 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork. If you would like to save time you can fill out our New Patient Paperwork and bring it with you.
If you are coming in for allergy testing it is necessary to stop antihistamines 5-7 days before your appointment. If you are unsure if a medication you are taking should be stopped, please call the office for more information.
Find out which insurances we accept from our list of accepted insurances.
The first step of allergy skin testing generally involves a slight prick with a tool about the sharpness of a pen. If further testing is required we may introduce allergens through intradermal needles. We may also ask for further blood testing for other patients. Our methods are generally painless and most people only experience a slight pinch.
At the Allergy & Asthma Center we pride ourselves on applying the most comprehensive testing methods. Learn more about the allergy testing we offer and a list of common allergens we test for.
Our billing line is available to assist you at
(703) 997 – 0811
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
Certain insurance carriers require that a patient’s primary care provider (PCP) submit a referral to the patient’s insurance carrier in order for the patient to be seen by a specialist.
The providers at DMV Allergy and Asthma Center are considered specialists. It is the patient’s responsibility to inquire with his or her insurance carrier to see if a referral is required. If so, it is also the patient’s responsibility to coordinate with the PCP to have the referral submitted to the insurance carrier and confirm with the carrier that the referral is on file with the carrier prior to his or her scheduled appointment at AAC.
Certain insurance carriers (including various United HealthCare products) require that the referral be electronically submitted by your PCP and will not accept paper referrals. Again, it is the patient’s responsibility to contact his or her insurance carrier and PCP to meet these requirements. Common carriers that require referrals include United HealthCare HMO’s, Aetna HMO’s, BCBS HMO’s, and others with such stipulations in the patient’s member handbook.
Additionally, some insurance carriers require that referrals be renewed after a certain number of visits and it is likewise the patient’s responsibility to contact the carrier and PCP to ensure that updated referrals are on file.
The insurance carrier may deny services or process the services with a higher patient liability if a required referral is not on file; the patient is responsible for any balances that result from lack of referral.
