Smart Allergists can Get Kids Through an Appointment With Ease
Taking your child to an allergist for the first time can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know what to expect.
When my son was two, we had an appointment for allergy testing and all I knew was that they were going to prick my baby with a bunch of needles. I was sure there was no way he was going to let them do that without a fight! Fortunately, our visit wasn’t nearly as traumatic as I had feared.
What I learned is that although this visit can often be unpleasant, it is worth it to find a doctor who knows how to work with children.
When we laid my son on the exam table and it became clear that he was not going to sit still for this, the smart doctor suggested using my lap instead.
I sat in a rolling chair and my son laid face down on my lap while watching a show on my phone. (The phone was a great distraction!) As we waited for the allergy results to show up on his skin, the doctor put a pillow under his head and suggested I roll around in the chair to keep my son calm.
There are many area allergists who know how to get kids through these tricky appointments. Here are a few things to expect at your first visit with an allergist.
All the Best Grand Rapids Doctors. ▶︎
FIRST ALLERGIST VISIT
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Allergist Visit
- It’s a long visit! If your child is there for a consult as well as allergy testing, the visit can take 2-3 hours. Arrange childcare for siblings so you can concentrate on your child at the appointment.
- Lots of paperwork There will be questions about the reason for your visit, symptoms, medical history, your living situation, food, environment, etc.
- Lots of questions Your doctor will likely spend quite a bit of time discussing your answers to all of the questions in the paperwork to help determine what type of tests are needed.
- A physical exam and testing, if necessary There will probably be a standard physical exam and assuming there is a need for allergy testing, they will conduct a prick test, blood test or whatever is deemed necessary.
- Test results and treatment plan for allergies Once the testing is completed, the doctor will discuss with you the results of the tests and discuss a treatment plan for the allergies, as well as any lifestyle or environmental changes that will need to take place going forward.
Best Allergists in Grand Rapids, 2024 Results
Dealing with allergies and asthma is no joke…it can be incredibly challenging (and scary) for kids and their families. Finding an allergist who can put kids at ease and identify the help they need is priceless.
Here are the top West Michigan allergists, according to our readers:
Pediatric Mindworks Center
at HRA Psychological Services
1. Pediatric Mindworks Center at HRA Psychological Services
2. Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
3. BRAINS
4. Mary Free Bed Kids
5. Rush Pediatric Neuropsychology
6. Developmental Enhancement Behavioral Health – Grand Rapids Clinic
6. Pine Rest
8. Center of Autism – Kentwood
9. Behavior Health Partners
10. Anchored Family Psychology and Counseling Associates
Best Allergist for Kids
Winner: Dr. Christine Schafer at Grand Rapids Allergy
TOP 10 Allergists
1. Schafer, Dr. Christine (Grand Rapids Allergy)
2. Gell, Dr. Karyn (Grand Rapids Allergy)
3. Kelbel, Dr. Ted (Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Helen DeVos)
4. Uekert, Dr. Sara (Grand Rapids Allergy)
5. Millar, Dr. Mark (Allergy & Asthma Care of Western Michigan)
6. Dubravec, Dr. Vincent (Allergy/Asthma Specialists of W. Michigan)
7. Eastman, Dr. Jacqueline (SHMG Allergy And Immunology Grand Rapids)
8. Heyboer, Dr. Lisa (SHMG Allergy & Immunology Helen DeVos)
9. Hartog, Dr. Nicholas (SHMG Allergy and Immunology)
10. Miller, Dr. Thomas (Allergy Associates of Western Michigan)
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Best Allergists in West Michigan
Grand Rapids Allergy physicians understand that listening to you is the first step in establishing care for your family.
Based on their commitment to shared decision making, Dr. Karyn Gell, Dr. Christine Schafer, and Dr. Sara Uekert will partner with parents to build a treatment plan tailored to the needs of your child.
We’re excited to welcome you and look forward to collaborating with you to improve your child’s ability to rest, play and learn!
Based on their commitment to shared decision making, Dr. Karyn Gell, Dr. Christine Schafer, and Dr. Sara Uekert will partner with parents to build a treatment plan tailored to the needs of your child.
We’re excited to welcome you and look forward to collaborating with you to improve your child’s ability to rest, play and learn!
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