Midwest Allergy Asthma and Immunology

Well this is the end of the road for me, after 4+ years as a patient, you’re fired. I really do want to like you, your location is fairly convenient, and the office staff is typically very kind (with exception of the «office manager» whom I spoke with today… more on that later). I had such high hopes, and really committed myself to make this long term process a part of my life.
Until recently, I’d been coming a couple of times a week, in the hope that this would give me some kind of relief for my miserable allergies, though I am sad to say after several years, nothing. Dr. Ortega Carr is super nice, and seems to know what she’s talking about. I followed all of her recommendations to the letter, bought all the allergen bedding, filters, and allergy-​proofed my home at some great expense… again in the hope it would be beneficial. Something is clearly off though.
After my last allergy test I lost all faith. The results of my test were so far off from reality that It makes me afraid for other patients. I’m glad that I kept all of my records for the past few years and have a history to go along with all of these claims. I immediately left the office (after three hours of wasted time) and scheduled an appointment with another allergy immunotherapy group in my area. I was able to get in to get another allergen test. My suspicions were correct, the test was completely wrong that I got at Midwest.
I’ll forgive the scheduling issues, and coming in for an appointment at 10 only to be finally seen just before noon… waiting in a janky, dirty exam room with broken furniture, and a ventilation system full of fur and funk (How is this possible, isn’t this an allergist office? Someone isn’t practicing what they preach!) for nearly two hours before seeing the doctor.
I can’t forgive this kind of testing mistake though, what if I’d been allergic to peanuts or something severe that had the potential to kill me? I wish I’d not wasted so many years there getting nowhere, not to mention the thousands of dollars I paid out of pocket for treatment.
After 6 months at my new allergist, I’m much further along than I got here. The office policies are much more strict where I am now, they make you wait 30 minutes after getting injections, and also require you to carry an epi pen… though to me that makes them seem like they truly care and take responsibility for my wellbeing. The location I frequent is in Diley Ridge hospital complex, next to an ER, and they still require the epi pen. that says a ton.
I have been fighting this entire time with the «office manager» to get the bills for the bogus services rendered taken care of. The woman in billing is super nice, and tried to help as much as she can, though I get the feeling she’s overwhelmed, micro-​managed, and completely powerless to resolve any billing issues. I disputed the allergen testing with them as well as my insurance company, and the entire visit since it was just a complete waste. I’ve only encountered one other person whom had been so rude, combative, and taken their business dealing so personally as did this, «office manager». Typically this level is reserved for a family member working for a of the doctor, that was the case the last time I encountered someone like her several years back (which is worth mentioning they are now out of business). Unpleasant doesn’t begin to explain the level of condescending behavior I experienced. It may be time to retire or look into a line of work which doesn’t involve customer service, or human interaction.

Oh Midwest allergy… you’re in such a nice location and I really want to like you. I know Ive rated you with «A-​Ok» but I dont know if I’m happy with it. My doctor is ok. I have Ortega. She’s nice but I question her ability to diagnose allergies after she told my husband that he wasnt allergic to soy, something he’s been seriously allergic to since birth. And did you know we werent allergic to dogs either? We didnt! And to think… my asthma goes nuts whenever our pit snuggles with us… but I’m not allergic says her. It’s a shame because I really liked her, she was nice and very knowledgable. But how can she be a good doctor and not even know our correct allergies??? I’m thinking of getting a second opinion.
Putting that aside for a moment. She refered us both to their allergy shot departmart for weekly shots in order to build up an immunity in us, thus making us more and more «allergy free.» We’re started phase 1 last week and this sat will be only are 3^rd shot. Phase 1 last a year unless you go every 3 days (the min amount of days before youre allowde to go again, 10 days being the max) The shots are nice, something Ive wanted but never had the chance to get/​start. My husband is allergic to antihistamines, so he cant take allergy medicine. This was key for him so it’s nice to be getting it. I havent gotten a bill yet so we’ll see if we’ll still be going after that; I have US Health and Aetna but hubby only has US.
The nurses for the allergy shots are all different (so we were told). We went tuesday around lunch time and the woman working was sooooo nice to us and the needles (which Im terrifed of) didnt hurt at all. She even offered anti itch cream which was a sweet touch. I need to remember this time for later shots. I’ll be going back on Sat, apparently their «way busy day» so fingers crossed! Appointments arent made for these shots; first come first serve.