Questions or to make an appointment? (616) 957-1912
Allergy Injection Hours
1179 E. Paris, SE, Suite 150, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Banner Banner

Frequently Asked Questions - West Michigan Allergy Specialists

We are at 1179 East Paris between Cascade Road and Lake Drive. We are near Highway I-96 Exit 40A. We are directly across from Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus, in a two story office building that is a tan color with white trim.
  • Morning
    Afternoon
  • Mon:  
    9:00 am - 12:00 noon
    1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Tues: 
    8:30 am - 12:00 Noon
    1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Wed:  
    9:00 am - 1:00 pm
    2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Thurs:
    9:00 am - 12:00 Noon
    1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Fri:
    Closed
    Closed
  • Morning
    Afternoon
  • Mon:  
    9:00 am - 11:30 am
    1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
  • Tues: 
    8.30 am - 11:30 am
    1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
  • Wed:  
    9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
  • Thurs:
    9:00 am - 11:30 am
    1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
  • Fri:
    Closed
    Closed
We see patients of any age – children, adolescents, and adults.
It is possible to perform allergy skin testing at any age although we may consider other testing options for infants and pregnant patients.
Allergy skin testing can consist of two parts. The first part is prick testing where a plastic device is used to prick the skin surface and there is no needle. If prick testing is negative then for some aeroallergens we may proceed to a second part where an intradermal test is performed. Intradermal testing uses a needle to make a small bubble (wheal) at the skin surface and is not a deep injection.
Allergy skin testing should only produce local skin reactions at the site of the test and are similar to a mosquito bite reaction. We are looking to see if you develop a small bump surrounded by redness at the site of the test. You should be able to return to school or work without difficulty. Often reactions fade quickly but may linger until the next day. If a reaction lingers for more than a day you can contact our office to discuss steps to clear the skin.
Appointments may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on what type of testing is performed.
Please see the Your First Appointment page for a detailed list of medications we would like you to stop before the visit.
Please see the Insurance page of the website for a complete list of insurances with which we participate.
Allergy shots, also called allergy immunotherapy injections, are a way to try and desensitize an individual to a specific allergen. We perform allergy testing to discover which allergen an individual may be sensitive. We then deliver doses of the allergen starting at a small dose and gradually increasing the dose to try and induce the body to tolerate exposure to the allergen in the future.
Initially when allergy shots are in the “building” phase, an injection is given once a week and the dose is gradually increased. This “once a week” plan can mean every 3 to 10 days and does not have to be given the same day of the week every time. If one week or even up to four weeks is missed the previous dose can be repeated and then can try to advance the dose again. This building schedule is usually once a week for 18 to 24 weeks.
When a top dose, or maintenance dose, of the allergy injections is achieved then the injection schedule becomes less frequent and patients may receive injections every 2 to 4 weeks. This maintenance schedule is usually pursued for 3 to 5 years.
Making a diagnosis of asthma may be straightforward in some patients but may be difficult in others. After completing a history and physical examination we discuss testing options and what is best for your situation. There are different types of breathing tests available. Sometimes these will confirm a diagnosis on a first visit. Sometimes it takes many visits to determine if asthma is present or not. Every patient can be different and we try to individualize care for each person.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Conditions We Treat

Conditions We Treat

When most people think of allergies they think of airborne agents setting of the nose as part of hay fever. There are a wide variety of allergic conditions that can affect different systems of the body.

( Read More )

Insurances We Accept

Insurances We Accept

We participate with most major insurances but please review our list and call before your appointment if you have any questions.

( Read More )

Patient Forms

Patient Forms

Before your first please fill out Our Patient Health Questionnaire and review the Financial Policies Statement. There is other useful information to on this page to help you acquaint yourself with our office.

( Read More )

Injection Hours

Injection Hours

  • Morning
    Afternoon
  • Mon:
    9 - 11:30 am
    1 - 4:30 pm
  • Tues
    8:30 - 11:30am
    1 - 4:30 pm
  • Wed:
    9 - 12:30 pm
    2 - 4:30 pm
  • Thur:
    9 - 11:30 am
    1 - 4:30 pm
  • Fri:
    Closed
    Closed