FAQ About Internal Medicine
and Allergy & Immunology
We have compiled the most common internal medicine and allergy FAQ questions that patients ask during their visits, including topics such as common internal medicine conditions, chronic disease management, annual physical exams, allergy testing, and asthma and allergy treatments. Whether you visit our clinic in Flushing or Long Island, these frequently asked questions and answers can help you better understand our medical services and what to expect during your appointment.
1. What do internal medicine doctors treat?
Internal medicine doctors diagnose and treat a wide range of common illnesses and chronic conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and thyroid disorders. They also treat common acute conditions such as colds, fever, cough, bronchitis, gastroenteritis, and urinary tract infections. In addition, internal medicine physicians provide long-term health management, preventive care, annual physical exams, and health screenings to help patients maintain overall wellness.
2. Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
Whether you need a referral depends on your health insurance plan. Some insurance plans require a referral from a primary care or internal medicine doctor before you can see a specialist, such as an allergy and immunology specialist.
If your insurance requires a referral, our internal medicine physicians can provide one based on your medical needs. You may also contact our clinic staff for assistance in confirming your insurance requirements and scheduling your specialist appointment.
3. When should I see an allergy doctor?
You should see a doctor if allergy symptoms—such as stuffy nose, running nose, sneezing, coughing, skin rashes, asthma symptoms, recurring sinus issues, food allergies, medication allergies, which affect daily life, do not improve with over-the-counter medications, or worsen over time.
4. Do you manage chronic conditions?
Yes. We provide long-term management for chronic conditions including hypertension, diabetes, asthma, thyroid disorders, and heart disease through regular monitoring, lifestyle guidance, and medication management.
5. Do you offer preventive care?
Yes. Our services include annual physical exams, routine screenings, vaccinations, and health risk assessments as part of comprehensive preventive care.
6. Can internal medicine doctors perform annual physical exams?
Yes. Internal medicine doctors provide comprehensive annual physical exams for adults. These exams typically include blood pressure checks, blood tests, cholesterol screening, and an overall health assessment. Based on your age, medical history, and lifestyle, the doctor may also recommend preventive care and health screenings to help detect potential health issues early.
7. Can internal medicine doctors manage diabetes and high blood pressure?
Yes. Internal medicine physicians specialize in the long-term management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Through regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle guidance, doctors help patients control their conditions and reduce the risk of complications. Ongoing care is essential for maintaining long-term health.
8. Can internal medicine doctors treat colds, coughs, and fever?
Yes. Internal medicine doctors diagnose and treat many common illnesses, including colds, coughs, fever, flu, and respiratory infections. The doctor will evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment or medications. If symptoms are severe or persistent, further testing or referral to a specialist may be recommended.
9. Do you provide preventive healthcare services?
Yes. We offer a range of preventive healthcare services, including annual physical exams, health screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling. Preventive care helps detect potential health risks early and allows patients to take proactive steps to maintain good health. Regular checkups play an important role in preventing chronic diseases.
10. What health management services do internal medicine doctors provide?
Internal medicine doctors provide comprehensive health management services, including chronic disease management, health assessments, weight management, nutrition guidance, and lifestyle counseling. Doctors work closely with patients to develop personalized care plans and monitor their health over time. Long-term health management helps prevent illness and improve overall well-being.
11. Do you accept insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans. Coverage varies by provider and plan, so please contact our office to confirm before your visit.
12. How can I make an appointment?
Appointments can be made by phone or through our online booking system. Our staff will help schedule a convenient time for you.
13. Services at Flushing Commons Suite 10B
Our Suite 10B location specializes in allergy and immunology care, including allergy testing, asthma management, immune-related conditions, and long-term allergy treatment for children and adults.
14. Services at Flushing Commons Suite 7C
Our Suite 7C focuses on primary care and internal medicine, offering family doctor services, chronic disease management, preventive care, annual physical exams, and routine medical treatment for adults.
15. Do you offer services in Long Island?
Yes. Our New Hyde Park location provides comprehensive care in one place including primary care, internal medicine, family medicine, and allergy & immunology services for pediatric and adult patients.
16. When should I see an allergy and immunology specialist?
You should consider seeing an allergy and immunology specialist if you experience persistent symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, skin rashes, chronic cough, or breathing difficulties. These symptoms may indicate allergies or immune-related conditions. An allergy specialist can perform tests to identify triggers and develop a personalized treatment plan.
17. Can an allergy and immunology specialist treat asthma?
Yes. Many asthma cases are closely related to allergies, so allergy and immunology specialists often play an important role in diagnosing and managing asthma. Doctors may use lung function tests, allergy testing, and medical history evaluation to determine triggers. Treatment may include medications, allergy management, and immunotherapy.
18. What types of allergy testing are available?
Common allergy testing methods include skin prick testing, blood tests, and patch testing. Skin tests can quickly identify reactions to common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Blood tests measure allergy-related antibodies in the body, helping doctors identify specific allergens and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
19. Who is a good candidate for allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots)?
Allergy immunotherapy is recommended for patients with moderate to severe allergies caused by pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or other environmental allergens. It is often considered when symptoms are not well controlled by medications or when patients want to reduce long-term medication use. Immunotherapy works by gradually increasing tolerance to allergens and can provide long-term symptom relief.
20 What allergy conditions can an allergy and immunology specialist treat?
Allergy and immunology specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergies, drug allergies, eczema, hives, and immune system disorders. Through allergy testing, medications, and immunotherapy, doctors can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.