Immunology
at BJC Health

A valid referral is required to consult with one of Immunologist in order to be eligible for a Medicare rebate. A referral for a Immunologist can be obtained from your GP or from another specialist. A referral from a GP is valid for 12 months and a referral from a specialist is valid for 3 months.

If you have not already sent or uploaded your referral please forward a copy to doctor@bjchealth.com.au prior to your appointment.

• Your referral letter.

• Any relevant X-rays and scans

• Any relevant blood tests if available

• Medicare card (Pensioner or Repatriation Card if applicable)

• Claim number & details for Workers Compensation and Third Party claims

• List of medications

• Your Private health insurance card which will help process HICAPS claims and allow you to claim your rebate immediately.

Allergy testing such as skin prick tests or blood tests for allergen specific IgE, helps your doctor to confirm which substances (allergens) trigger your allergy symptoms. Avoiding or minimising exposure to confirmed allergic triggers is an important part of allergy management. Allergy testing also helps your doctor decide on the best treatment options. It is important to note that:

To accurately diagnose allergy, both allergy test results and clinical history must be reviewed together.

Medicare rebates are available for skin prick tests or blood tests for allergen specific IgE (formerly known as RAST) in Australia.

People with suspected allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma or allergic reactions to foods or insects will usually have allergy testing. People with allergic rhinitis or asthma are tested for a few different allergens. These include house dust mite, cat, and dog dander (or other animals if contact occurs), mould spores, pollen from relevant grasses, weeds, or trees. Testing for other allergens may be suggested for people with suspected immediate-onset allergies to foods, stinging insects, and some medicines.

Stop antihistamines for 4 days before your appointment: If your appointment is for the purpose of allergy assessment, please do not take any antihistamines for the 4 days leading up to your appointment as these will interfere with allergy testing if it is required. This includes medications like Claratyne, Zyrtec, Telfast, Phenergan and nasal sprays such as Dymista and Ryaltris

Skin prick testing is the most convenient method of allergy testing and clinical studies have shown it improves the accuracy of an allergy diagnosis. Results are available within 20 minutes, which allows you to discuss the outcome with your doctor at the time of testing.

Skin prick testing is usually performed on the forearm or the back. First, the skin is cleaned with alcohol, then marked with numbers that correspond to the allergens. A small, metal device is then dipped into an allergen extract solution and the skin is ‘pricked’ allowing a small amount of the allergen to be introduced into the skin. A small itchy lump (wheal) surrounded by a red flare will appear within 15-20 minutes if you are allergic to a particular substance.

The tests are slightly uncomfortable but are usually well tolerated, even by small children. Local itch and swelling normally settle within one to two hours. Long-lasting or severe swelling may be treated with a non-sedating antihistamine, a painkiller tablet and/or a cool compress. Some people will feel dizzy or light-headed and need to lie down. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) from allergy testing are very rare.

Antihistamine tablets, syrups, or medications with antihistamine-like actions (such as some cold remedies, antidepressants, and nasal sprays) should not be taken for four days before testing, as these will interfere with the results. You may also be advised to avoid creams and moisturisers on your forearms or back on the day of the test to reduce the chance that allergen extracts will run into each other.