Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic

Average

The image you see among the photos of the dog on my feet (if Unilocal allows it to stay up) is one that means the world to me and was made possible by the Allergy Clinic when multiple other allergists over the course of my life had failed. I had been told by multiple specialists over 20 years of my adult life that my only solution to an extreme allergy to cats and dogs would be avoidance. I spent years on allergy shots with one allergist who later told me he had never even put animal dander in my formula because my reactions would be too extreme. Finally, I found my way to The Allergy Clinic/​Houston Allergy & Asthma and the exceptional doctors and staff there. With our combined tenacity, candor about the pros and the cons, and a rush therapy, I was able to foster to adopt this sweet creature who had been three days away from euthanasia. My dog Wendy is the love of my life and has her own Facebook page at Wendy «woof it» McGee. Her middle name «woof it» was given by my mother who said she hoped all of the shots and medical interventions were «woof it (worth it»). They were. I will be grateful and a rabid fan of this clinic all the days of my life.

I have a rare disorder called Systemic Mastocytosis. It is an allergic response neoplastic disease that invades all organs and skin. Dr. Engler spent about 2 hours with me to explain how to provide the best care. This included him telling me where he was comfotable and where we need to get outside assistance. I appreciated his honesty and intergrity to know when and how to care for me. He was extremely knowledgable about my disease and studied it over the weekend as a refresher. What type of doctor cares enough about you to do such a thing! Dr Engler! He can come across a little sterile :), but extremley caring and wants the right care for his patients. Even if you don’t have something complicated, I am certain he will know how to treat it and if he hasn’t seen something before he will research or provide other alternatives.

I chose this clinic because it was on my health insurance in-​network list of doctors and it’s located between my office and house. Renee answered the phone and made my appointment, and was really friendly and helpful while answering questions and explaining the process with my insurance. She made sure I knew how to get to their office, as the address is not the same as the street the door faces.
When I arrived, I was a few minutes late due to trouble finding a parking spot. They are right on the Metrorail in the Museum District, and most of the street parking was metered and full. There is an adjacent parking garage, but I’m not sure if it is available for patients.
The front desk and nursing staff is all personable and professional. They provide a new patient packet with tons of information. It was helpful when I got home and thought of a question I’d forgotten to ask — I found the answer in the material they’d put in the folder. Everything was clearly explained, and they made copies of all my paperwork to include in my take-​home folder without my even having to ask!
When I saw the doctor, he actually sat with me for 45 minutes (!) and fully explained my test results, and all of my options, including how each medicine physicially treats the symptoms and what side effects can occur. He encouraged me to ask questions or let him know what I didn’t think would work for me. My previous allergist was nice, but I was lucky to get 15 minutes in the same room with him. And he certainly didn’t want to hear my opinion about my treatment!
The best part is they helped me come up with a treatment plan that took into account 1. my lifestyle, 2. what my insurance covers, and 3. my budget.
PROS: Awesome friendly staff, unhurried and personal care from the physicians, excellent customer service all around.
CONS: Parking can be challenging
Note: the staff is at this location M, W, F, and at a location in Pearland T, Th, and Sat. This means they are available by phone 6 days a week, which is great! It may be inconvenient for those who would rather have T, Th, or Sat appointments at the Museum District location.