Allergy Testing (Burnaby)

OVERALL_INSTRUCTIONS

Chief Complaint

Consult Letter Template

Template

Dear [Referring Clinician]: Thank you for referring [Patient Name] to see me. This [Patient Description, e.g., pleasant 35-year-old] has presented for [Consult Purpose, e.g., epicutaneous prick allergy testing]. [Patient Name] has reported symptoms including [Symptom List, e.g., nasal congestion, itchy eyes, sneezing, etc.]. Additional reported concerns include [Additional Symptoms or Relevant History, e.g., smoke exposure, epistaxis, ear infections, etc.]. Her symptoms are described as [Symptom Timing, e.g., seasonal in the spring, summer, fall, winter, and/or non-seasonal]. Allergy Testing: [Testing Type, e.g., Epicutaneous Prick] [Patient Name] was tested today for [Allergen List, e.g., Timothy Grass, White Oak, Western Cottonwood, Alder, Box Elder, Western Juniper, Pine, Pigweed, Plantain, Ragweed, Sheep Sorrel, Sagebrush, Russian Thistle, Alternaria Tenius, Aspergillus Fumigatus, Helminthosporium, H. Cladosporioides, Mite D. Farinae, Mite D. Pteronyssinus, Cockroach, Cat and Dog.] [Positive histamine. Negative control.] On Examination: Left Ear: External Canal: [Findings — if not provided, default to "normal"] Tympanic membrane: [Findings — if not provided, default to "normal"] Right Ear: External Canal: [Findings — if not provided, default to "normal"] Tympanic membrane: [Findings — if not provided, default to "normal"] Nose: Turbinates: [Findings — if not provided, default to "normal"] Fiberoptic: [Findings — if not provided, default to "normal"] Oral Cavity: Tonsils Gr: [Grade, for example "1-4 / 4"— if not provided, default to "normal"] Results: [Patient Name] tested positive for [Positive Allergen List, e.g., Western Cottonwood, Box Elder, etc.]. Allergy testing to [aeroallergens] is [Result — if not provided, default to "negative"]. Plan: Environmental control measures for dust were discussed, including: - Using dust covers for pillows and mattress. - Vacuuming the bedroom weekly. - Limiting stuffed animals to one and washing it weekly. - Dusting weekly. - Considering the use of a HEPA filter. Information provided. Environmental control measures for mold were discussed, including: - Cleaning windowsills and shower/bathroom with mold-eliminating cleansers at least once per week. - Considering the use of a HEPA filter. Environmental control measures for trees were discussed, including: - Closing windows at night in the spring. Environmental control measures for grass were discussed, including: - Closing windows at night in the summer. Environmental control measures for weeds were discussed, including: - Closing windows at night in the fall. Environmental control measures for [Animal Allergen, e.g., cat] were discussed, including: - Avoidance if possible. - Keeping the animal out of the bedroom and closing the door. - Avoiding touching the animal. - Considering the use of a HEPA filter. Environmental control measures for [Animal Allergen, e.g., dog] were discussed, including: - Avoidance if possible. - Keeping the animal out of the bedroom and closing the door. - Avoiding touching the animal. - Considering the use of a HEPA filter. Using a saline rinse to clear the nose of irritants is recommended. Using a steroid nasal spray after rinsing the nose is beneficial but must be used regularly to be effective. [Medication Name, e.g., Ryaltris] trial for [Duration, e.g., 2 months] then as needed. This combines the steroid spray and the antihistamine. Prescription provided. If significantly symptomatic or treating often, desensitization therapy may be considered. [Therapy Options, e.g., SLIT and SCIT] were discussed today. Information provided. Thank you for involving me in the care of your patient.