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Direct Answer
To get the most from your virtual allergy visit, prepare three things: clear photos of any rashes or reactions, a complete list of your current medications and supplements, and a short home video if your symptoms come and go (like wheezing or hives). Having your symptom history organized—when symptoms started, what triggers them, and what you have tried—helps your board-certified allergist make an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan in a single telemedicine visit.
Key Takeaways
- Preparation makes virtual visits as effective as in-person ones — Studies show telemedicine allergy consultations produce comparable outcomes when patients arrive prepared.
- Photos are your most powerful tool — Clear, well-lit photos of rashes, hives, swelling, or eczema flares let your allergist see exactly what is happening, even if the reaction has faded by appointment time.
- A medication list saves time and prevents errors — Include prescription drugs, over-the-counter allergy meds, supplements, and anything you have tried that did or did not work.
- Home video captures intermittent symptoms — Wheezing, coughing fits, and hives that come and go are hard to demonstrate live. A 15–30 second video recorded during a flare is invaluable.
- Your environment matters — Be ready to describe your home (pets, carpet vs. hardwood, mold concerns, bedding type) so your allergist can identify potential triggers.
- HeyAllergy makes virtual visits simple — Book your appointment, complete new patient forms online, and connect from any device. No referral needed.
Why Preparation Matters for a Virtual Allergy Visit
A telemedicine allergy appointment gives you access to a board-certified allergist without the waiting room, the commute, or the time off work. But unlike an in-person visit, your allergist cannot physically examine you in real time. That means the information you bring to the appointment becomes even more important.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that telemedicine allergy consultations were associated with high patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes comparable to in-person visits—particularly when patients provided adequate history and visual documentation. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) endorsed telemedicine as a viable care delivery model for allergy assessment and management during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bottom line: a well-prepared patient gets a better visit. Here is exactly what to have ready.
The Complete Virtual Allergy Visit Prep Checklist
Part 1: Your Symptom History (5–10 Minutes to Write Down)
Before your appointment, write out answers to these questions. You can type them in your phone or jot them on paper—whatever works. Having this ready prevents the common problem of forgetting details during the appointment.
What are your main symptoms? Be specific. Instead of "allergies," say "sneezing every morning, itchy eyes, post-nasal drip that causes a cough at night."
When did symptoms start? Note whether symptoms are new (weeks), ongoing (months), or lifelong. Mention if they started after a move, a new pet, a job change, or a specific event.
Are symptoms seasonal or year-round? Seasonal symptoms (spring, fall) suggest pollen. Year-round symptoms suggest indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, or mold.
What makes symptoms better or worse? Think about location (indoor vs. outdoor, home vs. work), time of day, weather, exercise, specific foods, or contact with animals.
What have you already tried? List every medication, home remedy, or avoidance strategy you have used—and whether it helped, partially helped, or did nothing.
Family history. Do parents, siblings, or children have allergies, asthma, eczema, or food allergies? Allergic conditions run in families, and this information helps your allergist assess your risk profile.
Part 2: Your Medication and Supplement List
This is one of the most important items to prepare. Your allergist needs a complete picture of what you are currently taking to avoid drug interactions and to understand what has already been tried.
| Category | What to Include | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription medications | Name, dose, frequency, prescribing doctor | Fluticasone nasal spray, 2 sprays each nostril daily |
| OTC allergy medications | Name, dose, how often you take it | Cetirizine 10mg every morning |
| Inhalers | Name, type (rescue vs. maintenance), how often used | Albuterol rescue inhaler, 2–3 times per week |
| Supplements and vitamins | Name, dose | Vitamin D 2000 IU daily, quercetin 500mg |
| Eye drops | Name, frequency | Ketotifen eye drops, twice daily during pollen season |
| Topical creams (for eczema/dermatitis) | Name, strength, body area applied | Hydrocortisone 1% on inner elbows as needed |
| Known drug allergies | Drug name and type of reaction | Amoxicillin — causes hives |
Pro tip: The easiest approach is to gather all your medication bottles, line them up, and take a photo. You can share this photo with your allergist during the visit if you forget any details.
Part 3: Photos of Your Symptoms
Photos are one of the biggest advantages of preparing for a virtual visit. Rashes, hives, eczema, and swelling often flare and then fade. If your reaction has cleared by the time of your appointment, a good photo from during the flare gives your allergist the clinical information they need.
How to take useful allergy symptom photos:
- Use natural light. Stand near a window or go outside. Avoid flash, which washes out redness and distorts skin color.
- Get close enough to show detail. Your phone camera should be 6–12 inches from the affected area. Include at least one close-up and one wider shot showing the location on the body.
- Show scale. Place a coin, ruler, or your finger next to the rash or hives so the allergist can gauge size.
- Photograph multiple areas. If you have rashes in several locations, document each one.
- Capture progression. If possible, take photos at different stages—when the reaction first appears, at its worst, and as it fades. This timeline is extremely helpful for diagnosis.
- Include the date and time. Most phone cameras embed this automatically. If not, note it manually.
What to photograph:
- Skin rashes, hives, or welts
- Eczema patches (redness, dryness, cracking)
- Swelling around eyes, lips, or hands (angioedema)
- Nasal discharge or redness around the nose
- Any visible reaction to food, products, or environmental exposure
Part 4: Home Video for Intermittent Symptoms
Some allergy and asthma symptoms are impossible to capture in a photo. Wheezing, coughing episodes, snoring related to nasal congestion, and hives that appear and disappear within hours are much better documented on video.
How to record useful symptom videos:
- Keep it short. 15 to 30 seconds is enough. Your allergist does not need a 5-minute recording.
- Capture the sound. For wheezing or coughing, make sure the room is quiet so the audio is clear. Hold the phone close to the chest or throat.
- Record during a flare. Set your phone where you can grab it quickly when symptoms strike. Having it on your nightstand is ideal for nighttime symptoms.
- Narrate briefly. State the date, time, and what triggered the episode if you know (for example, "This started 20 minutes after coming inside from mowing the lawn").
Best symptoms to capture on video:
- Audible wheezing or labored breathing
- Persistent cough, especially at night
- Visible hives spreading or changing shape
- Snoring or mouth breathing during sleep (for children with chronic rhinitis)
- Visible swelling progressing over minutes
Part 5: Your Home Environment Details
Your allergist will likely ask about your living environment because many common allergens live in your home. Being ready with these details speeds up the conversation and helps your allergist recommend targeted avoidance strategies.
Be prepared to describe:
- Pets: Type, breed, how many, where they sleep, how long you have had them
- Flooring: Carpet vs. hardwood vs. tile (carpet harbors dust mites and dander)
- Bedding: Pillow and mattress age, whether you use allergen-proof encasings
- Humidity: Any visible mold, musty smells, humidifier or dehumidifier use
- HVAC: Type of heating/cooling, when filters were last changed
- Location: Urban vs. suburban vs. rural, nearby construction, proximity to highways
- Work environment: Exposure to chemicals, dust, animals, or other potential triggers
Virtual Visit vs. In-Person Visit: What to Expect
| Factor | Virtual Visit (HeyAllergy Telemedicine) | Traditional In-Person Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Wait time | No waiting room; connect from home | Often 30–60+ minute wait |
| Referral needed? | No | Often required by insurance |
| Physical exam | Visual via video + photos/video you provide | Hands-on exam |
| Allergy testing | Blood test ordered and completed at local lab | Skin prick test or blood test in office |
| Prescriptions | Sent electronically to your pharmacy | Sent electronically or handed to you |
| SLIT allergy drops | HeyPak® shipped to your door | Picked up at clinic or shipped |
| Follow-up | Virtual check-ins from home | Requires return office visit |
| Insurance | Medicare + most major PPO plans accepted | Varies by provider |
What Happens During Your HeyAllergy Virtual Visit
Here is what to expect once you are prepared and logged in:
- Connect via secure video. Use your computer, tablet, or smartphone. A link is emailed and texted to you when your provider is ready.
- Review your history. Your allergist will go through your symptom history, medication list, and any photos or videos you have prepared.
- Discussion and assessment. Based on your information, your allergist will explain their clinical impression, discuss potential triggers, and outline next steps.
- Order testing if needed. A blood allergy test may be ordered. You complete it at a local lab—no need to return to the clinic.
- Create your treatment plan. This may include prescriptions sent to your pharmacy, environmental control recommendations, and—if appropriate—HeyPak® allergy drops (SLIT) shipped directly to your home.
- Schedule follow-up. Virtual follow-ups let your allergist monitor your progress and adjust treatment without another office visit.
When to See an Allergist
You should schedule a virtual consultation with a board-certified allergist if:
- You have allergy symptoms that are not controlled by over-the-counter medications
- You are unsure what triggers your allergies and want blood allergy testing
- You have asthma, chronic cough, or recurrent sinus infections that may be allergy-related
- You have eczema or hives and want to identify underlying allergic causes
- You are interested in sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) to treat the root cause of your allergies from home
- You have been referred to an allergist but cannot find a local appointment for weeks or months
At HeyAllergy, there is no waitlist. Book your appointment, complete your new patient registration online, and meet with a board-certified allergist from the comfort of your home. We accept Medicare and most major PPO plans.
What to Do Next
Your best virtual allergy visit starts with preparation. Gather your photos, medication list, and symptom notes—then book your online allergy consultation with a board-certified allergist. No waitlist, no referral needed. Ask about HeyPak® allergy drops for personalized, root-cause allergy treatment delivered to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I have ready for a virtual allergy appointment?
Prepare a written symptom history (when symptoms started, triggers, what helps), a complete medication and supplement list, clear photos of any rashes or skin reactions, and short video clips of intermittent symptoms like wheezing or coughing. Also be ready to describe your home environment including pets, flooring, and bedding.
Can a virtual allergist diagnose me without a physical exam?
Yes, in many cases. Board-certified allergists can assess your condition through detailed history, photos, video, and blood allergy test results. A virtual visit is effective for diagnosing allergic rhinitis, asthma, eczema, hives, and food allergies. If an in-person evaluation is needed, your HeyAllergy allergist will refer you to a local specialist.
How do I take good photos of my allergy symptoms?
Use natural light (no flash), hold your phone 6–12 inches from the affected area, include a coin or ruler for scale, and photograph from both close-up and a wider angle. Take photos when the reaction is active. If symptoms come and go, photograph the progression at different stages.
Do I need a referral to see a virtual allergist at HeyAllergy?
No. You can book your appointment directly without a referral. HeyAllergy accepts Medicare and most major PPO health plans. Simply schedule online, complete your new patient forms, and connect with a board-certified allergist from home.
Can I start allergy drops (SLIT) through a virtual visit?
Yes. After your virtual consultation and blood allergy testing, your allergist can prescribe HeyPak® allergy drops customized to your specific triggers. The drops are shipped directly to your home. You take them daily under the tongue. No clinic visits are needed for ongoing treatment.
What technology do I need for a virtual allergy visit?
Any device with a camera, microphone, and internet connection works—smartphone, tablet, or computer. No special software is needed. HeyAllergy sends you a secure video link via email and text when your provider is ready. Make sure you are in a quiet, well-lit space for the best experience.
Author, Review and Disclaimer
Author: Krikor Manoukian, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI — Board-Certified Allergist/Immunologist
Bio: Dr. Manoukian is a board-certified allergist/immunologist with over 20 years of experience. He leads HeyAllergy's clinical team and specializes in telemedicine-enabled allergy care and personalized sublingual immunotherapy programs.
Medical Review: HeyAllergy Clinical Team (Board-Certified Allergists/Immunologists)
Disclaimer: This article is educational and not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your clinician about your medications and treatment options.
References
- Shaker MS, et al. COVID-19: Pandemic Contingency Planning for the Allergy and Immunology Clinic. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. 2020;8(5):1477-1488.
- Portnoy JM, et al. Telemedicine in the Era of COVID-19. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. 2020;8(5):1489-1491.
- ACAAI, Telemedicine Position Statement (2020). ACAAI
- AAAAI, Telehealth Resources for Allergists. AAAAI
