Why a Specialist

Unrestricted access to specialist care for asthma or allergies is among the most important criteria in selecting a health plan.

Although primary care physicians can play an important role in treating allergies and asthma, they may not offer all of the tests needed to diagnose and distinguish among the different types of allergies or immunologic diseases, or may not provide a full range of specialized treatments. Allergists, who have years of training in their specialty, are well qualified to manage the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and asthma.

Studies have found that people with asthma who are cared for by a specialist have:

Fewer symptoms
Improved lung function
Fewer emergency room visits
Fewer hospitalizations
Shorter hospital stays
Fewer sick care office visits
Fewer missed days from work or school
Increased productivity in their work and
personal lives
Greater satisfaction with their care
An improved quality of life
Lower health care costs


 
 


In a recent survey conducted by ACAAI, 90 percent of allergists said they had some patients with health plans that negatively affected the quality of care.