New Patient
FAQs
Your questions about visiting a Houston allergist, allergy testing, appointments, insurance, and more — answered.
Your First Appointment
Everything you need to know before your first allergy or asthma appointment, from scheduling to preparing for your visit.
Is McGovern Allergy & Asthma Clinic accepting new patients?
McGovern Allergy & Asthma Clinic welcomes new adult and pediatric patients seeking evaluation and treatment for allergies, asthma, and related conditions.
Our physicians care for patients with seasonal allergies, food allergies, skin allergies, asthma, and other allergy-related concerns. Request an appointment or call (713) 661-1444 .
How do I schedule my first appointment?
You can request an appointment online or contact the clinic by phone at (713) 661-1444 .
Have your insurance information available when scheduling. Our team can explain the next steps and any paperwork needed.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring the following:
- Your insurance card
- A referral if your insurance plan requires one
- Completed new patient forms and medical history information
- A list of current medications
- Information about previous allergy or asthma testing, diagnoses, or treatment
Having this information ready helps your physician understand your medical history and symptoms.
Should I stop taking antihistamines before my appointment?
Certain antihistamines can interfere with allergy skin testing. The clinic's new patient instructions may ask patients to avoid antihistamines for seven days before testing.
Always confirm medication instructions with McGovern before your visit. Do not stop prescribed medications without guidance from your healthcare professional.
What happens during my first allergy or asthma appointment?
Your physician will review your symptoms, medical history, medications, and possible allergy or asthma triggers.
Your appointment may include a physical examination and recommended allergy testing or breathing tests, depending on your symptoms.
Your physician will discuss findings and appropriate treatment options.
How long does my first appointment take?
Appointment length varies based on your medical history, symptoms, and whether testing is recommended.
Please allow additional time for your first visit. The scheduling team can provide more information when you make your appointment.
Testing & What to Expect
Learn about testing for seasonal, food, skin, and environmental allergies, as well as asthma and breathing concerns.
What types of allergy and asthma testing does McGovern offer?
McGovern Allergy & Asthma Clinic offers testing options that may include:
- Skin testing for environmental, food, and insect allergens
- Blood allergy testing
- Patch testing for contact dermatitis
- Medication allergy testing
- Pulmonary function testing for asthma and other respiratory concerns
- Additional laboratory testing when appropriate
The physician determines which tests are appropriate after reviewing your symptoms and medical history.
Read more about allergy and asthma testing .
Can testing identify seasonal and environmental allergies?
Yes. Allergy testing may help identify sensitivities to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander.
Testing results are interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history to help guide an appropriate care plan.
Does McGovern evaluate food and skin allergies?
Yes. McGovern evaluates suspected food allergies and skin-related allergic conditions, including contact dermatitis and eczema.
Depending on the symptoms, your physician may recommend specific testing or other evaluation. Not every skin condition requires allergy testing.
How is asthma evaluated?
An asthma evaluation begins with a review of symptoms, medical history, and possible triggers.
Your physician may recommend pulmonary function testing to assess breathing and help evaluate asthma or other respiratory concerns.
Treatment recommendations are individualized based on the clinical evaluation.
Does allergy skin testing hurt?
Skin testing may cause mild, temporary discomfort or itching. Your experience depends on the test and your individual response.
Your care team will explain the procedure and what to expect before testing.
How long does allergy or asthma testing take?
The amount of time required depends on the type and extent of testing recommended.
Some evaluations may require additional observation or follow-up. Contact the clinic for appointment-specific preparation and timing.
What is the difference between skin and blood allergy testing?
Skin testing evaluates reactions to selected allergens on the skin. Blood testing measures certain allergy-related antibodies in a blood sample.
Your physician will determine which method is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
What if I don't know what is causing my symptoms?
You do not need to know your triggers before visiting McGovern.
Your physician can review your symptoms, exposures, and medical history to determine whether allergy or asthma testing may be helpful.
Insurance & Billing FAQs
Information about accepted insurance plans, referrals, testing coverage, and preparing for your appointment.
Does McGovern Allergy & Asthma Clinic accept insurance?
McGovern participates with many managed care and insurance plans. Participation and benefits can vary by plan.
Visit the clinic's insurance information page or contact the office to verify your coverage.
What if I don't see my insurance plan listed?
Call the office at (713) 661-1444 for help reviewing insurance participation.
When checking your insurer's provider network, you may need to search for your individual physician rather than only the clinic name.
Do I need a referral to see an allergy or asthma specialist?
Referral requirements depend on your insurance plan. Some plans require a referral from a primary care physician.
Contact your insurance company or McGovern before your visit to confirm any requirements.
Does insurance cover allergy and asthma testing?
Coverage depends on your insurance benefits and the testing recommended by your physician.
Deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or other out-of-pocket expenses may apply. Verify your benefits before your appointment.
How much does testing cost without insurance?
Costs vary depending on the evaluation and type of testing recommended.
For information about self-pay arrangements and potential charges, contact the clinic's billing team before your appointment.
Questions About Your Coverage?
Review insurance information before your first visit.
Allergy & Asthma Care for All Ages
Specialized care for adults, children, and teens with asthma, seasonal allergies, food allergies, skin conditions, and more.
Does McGovern treat both adults and children?
Yes. McGovern Allergy & Asthma Clinic provides adult and pediatric allergy, asthma, and immunology care.
Our physicians evaluate patients of different ages and recommend individualized care based on symptoms, medical history, and treatment needs.
What conditions does McGovern Allergy & Asthma Clinic treat?
The clinic evaluates and treats a range of allergic and respiratory conditions, including:
- Asthma and allergic asthma
- Seasonal and environmental allergies
- Food allergies
- Skin allergies and contact dermatitis
- Eczema and related skin concerns
- Eye allergies
- Insect allergies
- Sinus and nasal allergy symptoms
- Severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
Your physician will determine appropriate testing and treatment based on your individual condition.
Can McGovern help adults and children manage asthma?
Yes. McGovern evaluates asthma symptoms in adult and pediatric patients.
Depending on the evaluation, your physician may recommend breathing tests, an assessment of possible allergic triggers, and an individualized asthma management plan.
Learn more about the clinic's allergy and asthma testing services .
When should I bring my child to an allergy or asthma specialist?
An evaluation may be helpful when a child experiences persistent sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, suspected food reactions, eczema, wheezing, or recurring asthma symptoms.
Your child's physician can help determine when specialized allergy or asthma care is appropriate.
Can adults develop allergies later in life?
Yes. Allergies can develop or become noticeable during adulthood, even when someone did not experience similar symptoms as a child.
An allergist can evaluate new or recurring symptoms and determine whether testing is appropriate.
Can an allergist help with eczema or skin allergies?
Yes. Allergists can evaluate conditions such as contact dermatitis, eczema, and suspected allergic skin reactions.
Testing may be recommended for certain concerns, but not every skin condition requires allergy testing.
What treatment options may be available for allergies and asthma?
Treatment depends on your diagnosis and individual medical needs.
Recommendations may include identifying and reducing triggers, medication management, allergy immunotherapy when appropriate, and an asthma management plan.
Your physician will discuss suitable options following your evaluation.
Visiting McGovern
Find our Bellaire location, office hours, injection hours, and contact information.
Where is McGovern Allergy & Asthma Clinic located?
McGovern Allergy & Asthma Clinic is located at:
4710 Bellaire Boulevard,
Suite 200
Bellaire, TX 77401
The clinic serves patients from Bellaire, Houston, and surrounding communities.
Visit our location and contact page for more information.
What are McGovern's office hours?
Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Sunday: Closed
Hours may change for holidays or special circumstances. Please confirm with the clinic before your visit.
What are the allergy injection hours?
Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Sunday: Closed
The clinic lists Saturday multi-dose injection restrictions. Contact the office to confirm injection instructions and current availability.
How can I contact McGovern Allergy & Asthma Clinic?
Main Office: (713) 661-1444
Appointments: (713) 662-5550
Insurance/Billing: (713) 662-5575
You can also request an appointment online .
Does McGovern serve patients outside Bellaire?
Yes. The Bellaire clinic welcomes patients from Houston and surrounding communities seeking adult and pediatric allergy and asthma care.
Contact the office for directions and scheduling information.
Clinic Location
4710 Bellaire Blvd.
Suite 200
Bellaire, TX 77401
Office Hours
Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
Sunday: Closed
Ready to Schedule Your First Visit?
Our team is here to help adults and children get started with allergy and asthma care.
Request an Appointment