Information for Allergy Patients

For 2008
In spite of continued recruitment efforts, University Health Services (UHS) has not been able to recruit an allergy specialist to provide on-site allergy services at the Tang Center.

UHS continues to provide allergy shots (immunotherapy) by appointment for students who have established care with an allergy specialist in the Western United States. Once appropriate clinical records, antigen orders, and the antigen itself are received by UHS, antigen injections can be provided for a fee.

In order to receive antigen injections at UHS, we ask that you contact your allergy specialist to request copies of your records. The following information must be provided to UHS prior to receiving your first shot:

• A copy of your allergy records, including duration of immunotherapy, your allergy shot record (including the date of your last injection), and the current progression of your injection schedule towards maintenance.
• A copy of your allergy skin testing results
• Your specific chief complaint (e.g. allergic rhinitis, asthma, etc.)
• Specific documentation regarding any systemic reactions to immunotherapy
• A copy of your antigen extract prescription (including the biological manufacturer)
• Antigens for injection with clearly labeled patient name, content, concentration, and expiration date.

In the event that specialized care with an allergist becomes necessary, UHS requires that patients undergoing antigen injections at the Tang Center whose allergists are located outside of the Western United States establish care with a California allergy specialist. UHS will require a brief visit with a local allergist prior to receiving antigen injections at UHS if your allergist practices outside of the Western United States. A list of local allergists is available here and at the UHS Allergy Clinic.

If you need to see a local allergist and have purchased the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), please go to the Student Health Insurance Office on the third floor of the Tang Center (Room 3200) to obtain an insurance authorization. Please select an allergist that is a member of the Blue Cross Prudent Buyer Network to help assure that you receive the maximum insurance reimbursement, and therefore the lowest out of pocket expenses. Allergy services with a Prudent Buyer provider or at the UHS Allergy Clinic are reimbursed by the insurance plan at 80 % (with 20 % patient responsibility) up to $1000 per calendar year, with a $200 deductible. Please contact the Student Health Insurance Office (510) 642-5700 if you have any questions.

If you are covered by another insurance plan, you will need to contact your health plan to obtain names of local allergists who are participating providers with your insurance. Once you have seen a California allergist, and obtained the information described above, please contact the UHS Allergy Clinic to set up an appointment to initiate antigen injections at the Tang Center. It is possible to refrigerate your antigens in the UHS Allergy clinic prior to your appointment with an allergy specialist. Please contact the Allergy Clinic at 510-643-7177 if you have any questions about this service. Otherwise, if you have any questions or comments, please contact Pam Cameron, Assistant Director of Clinical Services at 510-642-1814.

Back to Student Services A-Z>