Preparing For Your First Visit
Instructions for new patients and parents
Due to the variety of network options, we are unable to confirm whether or not we are in your specific preferred provider network. In order to verify that Dr. Yasharpour is in your specific network, you must call the number on the back of your insurance card and provide Dr. Yasharpour’s practice address (150 N. Robertson Boulevard Suite 307 Beverly Hills, CA 90211).
Please be aware that allergy testing is a procedure and coverage is subject to your deductible.
Please note that patients will be responsible for fees not covered by insurance. Copays are expected at the time of service.
Some insurance plans might not cover all services, or the plan may require referrals. Referrals are the responsibility of the patient. We ask patients to check with their insurance provider before the appointment to clarify coverage.
Typically the code used for allergy testing is 95004, and between 60-80 tests are performed.
We encourage you to bring medical records of any previous allergy treatment, including prior allergy testing results, blood work, written reports of X-Rays, CT scans, and MRI’s as well as pulmonary function tests, and current or prior allergy medications or prescriptions.
When you see an allergist for the first time your evaluation will possibly include skin prick testing for allergies. This involves the application of allergens to yourskin using small plastic prongs. There are several medications that can interfere with this testing.
We kindly ask that you refrain from taking any of the following medications prior to your visit as described below. Many of these medications are over the counter medications!! Please look at your labels carefully.
Antihistamines to be stopped at least 7 days prior to your appointment:
Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec D)
Desloratadine (Clarinex)
Doxepin (Sinequan)
Fexofenadine) Allegra, Allegra
Loratadine (Claritin, Claritin D, Alavert)
Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
Antihistamines should be stopped 5-7 days prior to your appointment:
Brompheniramine (Actifed, Atrohist, Dimetapp, Drixoral)
Chlopheniramine (Chlortrimeton, Deconamine, Kronofed A, Novafed A, Rynatan)
Clemastine (Tavist, Antihist)
Cyproheptadine (Periactin)
Dexchlorpheniramine (Polaramine)
Diphenhydramine (Allernix, Benadryl, Nytol)
Doxylamine (Bendectin, Nyquil)
Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Marax, Vistaril)
Promethazine (Phenergan)
Note: Antihistamines are also found in many over the counter medications, including
Tylenol Allergy, Actifed Cold and Allergy, Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold with Cough Formula, and many others. Make sure you read check the ingredients carefully and stop those containing antihistamines 5-7 days prior to the appointment.
Nose sprays and eye drops to stop 5 days prior to your appointment:
Azelastine (Astelin, Astepro, Dymista, Optivar)
Ketotifen (Zaditor)
Olapatadine (Pataday, Patanase)
Epinastine (Elestat)
Medications to stop 3-5 days prior to appointment:
Cimitidine (Tagamet)
Famotidine (Pepcid)
Nizatidine (Axid)
Ranitidine (Zantac)
There is no need to stop Flonase, Nasonex, Nasacort, Rhinocort, and Veramyst as these medications will not affect the skin test.
DO NOT STOP YOUR ASTHMA MEDICATIONS!
This would include inhalers such as:
Advair
Asmanex
Azmacort
Dulera
Flovent
Pulmicort,
Symbicort or
QVAR
Pills such as Singulair (Monteleukast), Zyflo, Theophylline, or steroids such as Medrol and Prednisone.
Also, Do not stop any other medications for diabetes, blood pressure, birth control, arthritis, etc.