Innova Allergy is committed to professional, compassionate, and patient-centered care that improves quality of life. We provide allergy skin testing and, if appropriate, treatment, conveniently here at your primary care provider’s office.

The use of skin testing, the gold standard in allergy testing, provides the fastest results and is generally fully covered by most insurances. Innova Allergy tests for 48 of the most common southeastern environmental allergens including dander and pelt of cat, dog epithelia, feathers, cockroach, dust mites, molds, and pollens from weeds, grasses, and trees.

From the skin test, we can isolate the exact allergens that are troubling patients, customize a treatment plan, and help eliminate allergy symptoms.

What are Allergies?

An allergy is a chronic condition involving an abnormal reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance called an allergen.

Allergy Statistics:

• One in five Americans, approx. 60 million people, suffer from allergies and chronic rhinitis, more than doubling since 1995, resulting in 13.4 million doctor visits annually.
• Asthma affects 26 million Americans. The incidence has more than tripled in the last 25 years, with minority and lower-income populations being hardest hit. Patients with asthma make 13.9 million doctor visits and 1.4 million hospital visits annually.
• Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the US, costing over $18 billion annually.
• Allergic rhinitis, often called hay fever, causes sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, and itching.
• Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal or perennial.
• Symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis occur in spring, summer, or early fall and are usually caused by allergens like dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, and mold spores.
• Treatment options include avoidance, medications, and immunotherapy (allergy shots).
• Immunotherapy helps reduce hay fever symptoms in about 85% of people with allergic rhinitis.

Allergy Skin Test

The skin test is a painless way to check for sensitivity to various environmental allergens, from dust mites to tree pollens. Plastic combs dipped in antigens are gently pressed against the patient’s back.

The procedure takes about 20 minutes and results are provided the same day, identifying specific allergens causing symptoms.

Immunotherapy

Depending on your type of allergy, immunotherapy can train your body to become less allergic. It involves gradually increasing exposure to allergens, making your immune system less sensitive.

This reduces allergic symptoms and inflammation related to rhinitis and asthma. Allergy shots (SCIT) are the most effective form and the only treatment that changes the immune system to prevent new allergies or asthma.

How Long Do I Have to Take Immunotherapy?

It depends on each patient’s specific allergies. Some may feel relief within 1–3 months. Complete improvement may take 2–3 years, and in rare cases up to 5 years.

Treating the root cause offers long-term relief, reduces the need for medications, and greatly improves quality of life.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of the Test?

Yes, most private insurers (Blue Cross, Aetna, United, Cigna), Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare cover both the test and immunotherapy treatment.

Is There Any Risk of an Allergic Reaction?

Anaphylaxis is very rare and generally linked to food, penicillin, or insect allergies, which we do not test for. We only test for environmental allergens, so patients are not exposed to those high-risk allergens.

Who Should Have an Allergy Test?

Many people with untreated symptoms don’t realize how much better they could feel with proper diagnosis and treatment. Consider testing if you experience:

• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Asthma
• Eczema, hives, or itchiness
• Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
• Watery eyes
• Sinus headaches
• Restless sleep or snoring