West Houston Allergy & Asthma

I logged on after about a couple of years today just so I could post my review about the staff at their new location at 7830 West Grand Parkway South. I have been taking my son for allergy shots for over 2 years at their old location and about 5 months at their new location. I have known that it is their policy to allow people to get the shots until their balances are high– such as in the $ 300 vicinity. And I have been paying them all this time. Now, the last time I went, my outstanding balance was a mere $ 63. When asked by their staff member named Lizeth, to pay the amount, I casually said that I will pay, «the next time». Lizeth replied in combative tone that I said the same thing the last time too. I was not perturbed by the payment, but by her argumentative tone. I further elaborated my position that I had made much larger payments several times before, and this amount was very «small». But instead of being sensitive to a customer’s feelings, she went on with her nonchalant attitude and showed no remorse. I left after the payment.
I hope the administration at the business read this and train their staff to not be curt and argumentative.

Tuesday 5÷19÷15
Had my first allergy appointment and it went very well! I was pleased with the service and left well informed.
I was looking for allergy doctors through my insurance and Dr. Rihal was one that showed up under the doctors that were in the network. The facility, West Houston Allergy & Asthma was only 20 minutes away from my home, so I chose it.
Making an appt was very easy. In fact, easier than most. I made an appt 2 weeks ahead of time and the receptionists were extremely helpful. They explained the procedures of what an allergy test consists of and how a patient would get assessed. And after making my appt, they asked if I had a computer and working internet so that I could easily print out the new patient information to fill out and just have it ready.
I ended up faxing my new patient forms. I also called a couple days afterwards to make sure they received it. And surely enough, they did. I also made sure to ask how much my visit would be, because apparently an allergy test can cost up to $ 750. Ouch. I kid you not, it seriously costs that much.
At first, coming to my appt, I was a little lost since there’s like 3 medical buildings next to each other. There’s St. Catherine’s, Medical Plaza I, and Medical Plaza II. One way I knew I was at the right place, was that the buildings had the address on it. They are in Medical Plaza I. But walking in, I was still lost, so I called the office asking where to go. Again, receptionists were very nice and helped me in finding my way to the office.
Came into the office, didn’t have to fill in paper work cause I faxed it (WOHOO), and waited about 10 minutes in the waiting room. My appt was supposed to be at 2:30 but because I was a little lost, that took some time.
I was called in, brought into the room and did assessments, such as getting weight, temperature, blood pressure… Etc all that taken care of and the medical assistants/​receptionists were very gentle and nice.
Dr. Rihal came in and greeted me. He was very welcoming and asked what my reason for coming in. I told him that I thought I was allergic to cats and he was very knowledgeable about what happens. He also asked if I had any skin conditions to maybe see what could cause my allergies. I told him that I have a huge spot of eczema on my back. And what I really like about this doctor is that he brought in a female staff member in the room while looking at my back to ensure that I would be okay and comfortable, since he was lifting up my shirt.
I did an allergy test. I actually didn’t get pricked, or had patches. I actually had this method used where they dipped a small tube filled with allergens and did a little scratch on both of my arms. It actually didn’t hurt. It really just felt like a scratch. After they do that, they tell you not to scratch for 20 minutes, so that they could assess you on what you’re reacting to the most. And let me tell you, I started reacting, and I wanted to scratch so bad.
The medical assistants would check to on me every 5 minutes to see how I’m doing and then after 20 minutes, Dr. Rihal came in to assess me on what was happening. He explained everything thoroughly and informed me about all the allergens that could cause my sneezing, mucous, and itchiness. He gave me samples to take home to help see if this is the medication that would help.
For my first appt, I came out feeling informed knowing what allergies I have and how to treat it. The staff at West Houston Allergy & Asthma were caring, gentle, and nice. You don’t get that often at doctors offices, but at this particular facility, I did. I left happy and feeling pretty good. I have a 6 month appt coming up, you bet I’ll be coming back!

5 minute wait, staff friendly, doctor explained everything very well.