Patient Information
What to Expect at Southern Allergy
Preparation
Simple steps to prepare for your visit and ensure accurate testing
Testing
Safe, accurate allergy testing suitable for all ages
Results
Immediate results with detailed explanation and planning
Management
Personalised care plans for ongoing allergy management
Your Appointment Journey
Before Your Visit
Preparation (1 week prior): Stop antihistamines, gather medical records, and prepare your symptom history. We’ll send you a preparation checklist to ensure you’re ready for accurate testing.
- Stop antihistamines 1 week before
- Gather previous test results
- Prepare medication list
- Complete pre-visit forms
Arrival & Check-in
15 minutes early: Arrive early for check-in and form completion. Our welcoming reception team will ensure you have everything needed and answer any last-minute questions.
- Bring Medicare card and referral
- Complete remaining paperwork
- Settle in our comfortable waiting area
Consultation & Testing
60 minutes: Comprehensive discussion with Dr Susarla followed by allergy testing. Results are available immediately for discussion and planning.
- Detailed medical history review
- Physical examination
- Skin prick testing (if appropriate)
- Immediate results discussion
Plan & Follow-up
Personalised care: Receive your detailed management plan, emergency protocols, and schedule follow-up care as needed for ongoing support.
- Personalised action plan
- Emergency management training
- Resource materials
- Follow-up appointments scheduled
Preparing for Your Visit
Medication Guidelines
- Antihistamines: 1 week before (Claratyne, Zyrtec, Telfast)
- Tricyclic antidepressants: 2 weeks before
- Nasal antihistamine sprays: 1 week before
Important: Never stop essential medications without consulting your doctor first.
- Asthma medications (inhalers)
- Eczema treatments and moisturisers
- Blood pressure medications
- Heart medications
- Other essential prescriptions
If unsure: Contact our clinic before your appointment for guidance.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Medicare card – Required for rebate processing
- GP referral letter
- Previous allergy test results
- Recent blood test results
- Hospital discharge summaries
- Specialist reports
- Immunisation records
- Complete list of medications
- Dosages and frequencies
- Supplements and vitamins
- Over-the-counter medications
- Bring actual medications if unsure
- Symptom diary or food diary
- Photos of reactions (if available)
- List of suspected triggers
- Timeline of symptoms
- Previous reaction details
- Current EpiPen or emergency medication
- Reading material for waiting
- Water bottle
- Notepad for questions
- Phone charger if needed
Pro Tip: Organise all documents in a folder the night before your appointment. Take photos of important documents as backup on your phone.
Preparing Your Child for Their Visit
- Explain the visit in age-appropriate terms
- Read books about doctor visits together
- Reassure them you’ll be with them
- Favourite comfort toy or blanket
- Books or quiet activities
- Tablet with headphones (if needed)
- Change of clothes for young children
- Nappies and wipes if required
- Food is NOT allowed in the assessment room strictly and should not be consumed during testing.
- Food can be consumed after the appointment
- You may bring water and can continue to breast feed – however don’t feed the child as this can interfere with results interpretation.
- Red Book (Personal Health Record)
- Growth charts and percentiles
- Previous reaction photographs
- School or daycare health plans
- Feeding history for infants
- Arrive 15 minutes early to allow settling time
- Stay calm and positive – children sense anxiety
- Praise brave behaviour throughout the visit
- Let them ask questions and express concerns
- Plan a fun activity after the appointment
For Babies & Toddlers: Schedule appointments around nap times when possible. Bring a familiar feeding bottle or dummy for comfort. Our clinic has changing facilities and a child-friendly environment.
Medical History Preparation
Preparing detailed information about your medical history helps us provide the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. Please gather the following information before your visit:
- Date and time of each reaction
- What was consumed or contacted
- Symptoms experienced
- How quickly symptoms appeared
- Treatment given and effectiveness
- Hospital visits or emergency care
- Allergies in parents or siblings
- Asthma in family members
- Eczema or skin conditions
- Hayfever or environmental allergies
- Autoimmune conditions
- Other relevant conditions
- Ongoing medical conditions
- Recent illnesses or infections
- Current symptoms and triggers
- Sleep quality and patterns
- Activity limitations
- Quality of life impact
- Medications tried and results
- Alternative therapies attempted
- Dietary eliminations
- Environmental modifications
- What helped and what didn’t
- Side effects experienced
Privacy & Confidentiality: all information you provide is kept strictly confidential and is used solely for your medical care. We comply with all Australian privacy regulations and maintain secure medical records.
Consultation Fees & Payment
Initial Assessment
$460
with Skin Prick Testing
- 60 minute consultation
- Comprehensive medical history
- Skin prick testing
- Results discussion
- Personalised management plan
Medicare rebates apply and a rough approximation of maximum out of pocket charge $300
Review Assessment
$300
without Testing
- 30 minute appointment
- Comprehensive assessment
- Management planning
- Treatment recommendations
- Follow-up scheduling
Medicare rebates apply and a rough approximation of maximum out of pocket charge $136.30
Payment & Rebates
- Accepted Payments: Cash, EFTPOS, Credit Cards
- Medicare Rebates: Available with valid GP referral
- Private Health: Check with your provider
- Payment Plans: Available – discuss with reception
Understanding
Allergy Testing
Skin prick testing is the gold standard for allergy diagnosis, providing accurate results in just 20 minutes. Our gentle approach makes testing comfortable for patients of all ages, including babies.
The Testing Process:
- Preparation: Small drops of allergen extracts placed on your skin
- Testing: Tiny, virtually painless pricks made through each drop
- Waiting: 15-20 minutes for reactions to develop
- Results: Dr Susarla measures and interprets responses
- Discussion: Comprehensive explanation of findings
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for my appointment?
No, a referral is not required to book an appointment at Southern Allergy. However, we strongly recommend obtaining a GP referral as it allows you to claim Medicare rebates, which significantly reduces your out-of-pocket costs. GP referrals are valid for 12 months from the issue date and help us coordinate your care with your regular doctor. To obtain a referral, simply book an appointment with your GP and explain that you’d like to see an allergy specialist. They can provide a referral letter outlining your symptoms and medical history. Even without a referral, you’re welcome to book a private consultation, though Medicare rebates won’t be available.
How long will my appointment take?
Initial consultations typically take around 1 hour, allowing Dr Susarla adequate time to thoroughly assess your condition. This includes a comprehensive medical history discussion (20-30 minutes), physical examination, allergy testing if appropriate (15-20 minutes for results), and detailed explanation of findings with management planning. Follow-up appointments are usually 30-45 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case and whether repeat testing is required. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early for your first visit to complete any remaining paperwork and settle in. This ensures we can start your consultation on time and dedicate the full hour to your care without rushing.
Is allergy testing painful for children?
Skin prick testing involves minimal discomfort, similar to a light scratch or mosquito bite. The procedure uses tiny lancets that barely penetrate the skin’s surface, causing only brief, mild sensations. Most children tolerate testing very well, including babies and toddlers. Any itching or redness at test sites typically resolves within 30-60 minutes. Our team uses gentle, child-friendly techniques and creates a comfortable, reassuring environment. Parents remain with their children throughout the entire process. We find that children often cope better when the procedure is explained honestly but simply, without creating unnecessary anxiety. Many children are surprised by how quick and easy the process is compared to their expectations.
Can I eat before my appointment?
Yes, you can eat normally before your appointment. There are no dietary restrictions required for allergy testing, and we encourage you to maintain your normal routine. Having a light meal beforehand can actually help you feel more comfortable during your visit. However, please avoid eating during the appointment itself, particularly during the testing procedure, as this could interfere with accurate assessment. If you’re bringing a child, pack allergen-free snacks and drinks for after the appointment as a treat for their cooperation. Staying well-hydrated is also recommended, so feel free to bring a water bottle with you.
What if I have a reaction during testing?
Our clinic is fully equipped to manage any reactions safely and effectively. Dr Susarla is highly experienced in handling all types of allergic responses, and emergency medications including antihistamines and adrenaline are always readily available on-site. Severe reactions during controlled testing are extremely rare because we use very small amounts of allergen and carefully monitor your response. The testing environment is safe and controlled, with reactions typically limited to minor, localised itching or redness. If any concerning symptoms develop, we respond immediately with appropriate treatment. This is actually one of the safest environments to identify allergies, as professional medical care is immediately available should it be needed.
How accurate are the test results?
Skin prick testing is highly accurate, with diagnostic accuracy of 85-95% for most common allergens when performed by experienced specialists. However, test accuracy depends significantly on proper interpretation. Dr Susarla doesn’t rely solely on test results but combines them with your detailed symptom history, timing of reactions, and clinical presentation to provide the most accurate diagnosis possible. A positive test indicates sensitivity to that allergen, but clinical correlation determines whether it’s causing your symptoms. Occasionally, false positives or negatives can occur, which is why comprehensive clinical assessment is essential. When results are unclear, additional testing methods such as blood tests or supervised food challenges may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate management.
Emergency Information
When to Call 000 Immediately
Severe Symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Rapid pulse or dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
Emergency Actions:
- Administer EpiPen if prescribed
- Call 000 immediately
- Follow your action plan
- Contact emergency contact
After-Hours Support
GP After-Hours: Contact your regular GP clinic | Healthdirect: 1800 022 222 | Poison Information: 13 11 26