This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Allergy & Asthma Center of Massachusetts collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a "User") of the www.massallergy.net website ("Site"). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Allergy & Asthma Center of Massachusetts.

Personal identification information

We may collect personal identification information from Users in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, when Users visit our site, fill out a form, and in connection with other activities, services, features or resources we make available on our Site. Users may be asked for, as appropriate, name, email address, phone number. Users may, however, visit our Site anonymously. We will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. Users can always refuse to supply personally identification information, except that it may prevent them from engaging in certain Site related activities.

Non-personal identification information

We may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name, the type of computer and technical information about Users means of connection to our Site, such as the operating system and the Internet service providers utilized and other similar information.

Web browser cookies

Our Site may use "cookies" to enhance User experience. User's web browser places cookies on their hard drive for record-keeping purposes and sometimes to track information about them. User may choose to set their web browser to refuse cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If they do so, note that some parts of the Site may not function properly.

How we use collected information

Allergy & Asthma Center of Massachusetts may collect and use Users personal information for the following purposes:

- To send periodic emails
We may use the email address to respond to their inquiries, questions, and/or other requests.

How we protect your information

We adopt appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your personal information, username, password, transaction information and data stored on our Site.

Sharing your personal information

We do not sell, trade, or rent Users personal identification information to others. We may share generic aggregated demographic information not linked to any personal identification information regarding visitors and users with our business partners, trusted affiliates and advertisers for the purposes outlined above.

Third party websites

Users may find advertising or other content on our Site that link to the sites and services of our partners, suppliers, advertisers, sponsors, licensors and other third parties. We do not control the content or links that appear on these sites and are not responsible for the practices employed by websites linked to or from our Site. In addition, these sites or services, including their content and links, may be constantly changing. These sites and services may have their own privacy policies and customer service policies. Browsing and interaction on any other website, including websites which have a link to our Site, is subject to that website's own terms and policies.

Changes to this privacy policy

Allergy & Asthma Center of Massachusetts has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will revise the updated date at the bottom of this page. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.

Your acceptance of these terms

By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.

Contacting us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us at:

Allergy & Asthma Center of Massachusetts
www.massallergy.net
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This document was last updated on October 19, 2013

Please send us an email to request an appointment specifying your preferred date and time. (Your privacy is important to us. Privacy Policy)

An appointment time is not final until our office contacts you to complete your appointment and registration. Thank you!

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If you'd prefer to call during business hours: 617-232-1690

Downloadable PDF of Directions

From the intersection of Route 9 and Route 128
From Route 128 north or south, take exit 20A (Route 9 East) for approximately 3.5 miles. You will pass both the Atrium Mall, Capital Grille, Wegeman's on your right and the Chestnut Hill Mall on your left. Stay in right lane and 30 yards after the entrance to Miltons/Wegeman's bear right down the ramp to Hammond Pond Parkway. Turn left on Hammond Pond Parkway and cross under Route 9 to the entrance of "The Street" (formerly Chestnut Hill Shopping Center) parking lot. In the parking lot pass behind Cinema Deluxe and head towards the Container Store and Star Market. Our office is located in the Chestnut Hill Medical Center (25 Boylston Street), a red brick office building between Star Market and the Container Store. Free parking is available in the front and back of the building.

From Boston:
From Storrow Drive traveling west, turn slight left to take the ramp toward Kenmore Square. Turn slight left to take the ramp toward US-1 S/Fenway. Take the Boylston Street outbound ramp toward Riverway. Stay straight on Boylston Street. Take slight left on Brookline Avenue and pass Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Stay straight until road ends at Route 9. Turn right on Boylston Street/Route 9 West. Stay on Route 9 west for approximately 2.7 miles. Cross Hammond Street (intersecting street) and pull into “The Street” shopping plaza on right (CVS on corner). We are located in the Chestnut Hill Medical Center (25 Boylston Street), a red brick office building between Star Market and the Container Store. Free parking is available in the front and back of the building.

CAUTION: If you use a GPS system, you will end up too far west near the Chestnut Hill Mall (we are NOT located in the mall). We are located at the intersection of HAMMOND STREET/Boylston Street (Route 9). Use the address of 1195 Boylston Street. CVS is in the parking lot. The Google map below is set to 1195 Boylston St.

Action Plan - Your action plan will include educational and other resources within and outside our office as appropriate to enable you to manage your condition.

Allergy Learning Center - You can also find more information relative to your situation in our Allergy Learning Center. There you can find information on:

• Respiratory Conditions - Allergic/Non-Allergic
• Food Allergies
• Environmental Health
• Allergic & Immunologic Conditions
• Allergy News & Treatments

Allergy News Feed - To receive timely information regarding about new developments on allergy topics which interest you, you can subscribe to our allergy news feeds on any of the topics above and have information delivered to your inbox. To subscribe, enter your email address on appropriate subject area page.

Interested in all the topics? Subscribe on the main Allergy Learning Center page.

• Upon arrival our clinical staff will review your completed clinical history, outside medical records, medications and the reason for your visit. Having these in order in advance will allow us to focus your assessment and shorten your waiting time during your visit.
• You will meet with one of our physicians to review your information for a history and physical examination.
• After this assessment based upon your needs, diagnostic testing which may include allergy skin/or laboratory testing, radiologic or pulmonary function testing may be considered.
• At the completion of the visit an action plan will be provided outlining your diagnosis and any diagnostic or therapeutic interventions which may be necessary.

Five (5) days before your visit

1. Prior Records - Gather and forward or bring all relevant outside records related to the issue for which you are being seen (office fax 617-739-7082). Relevant records would include any prior consultations/office notes, radiology reports, ER records, biopsy results, allergy consultations, skin test results and laboratory data from any primary or specialty physician who has evaluated you for the condition for which you are seeking care in our office. Having these in order in advance will significantly focus your assessment and shorten your waiting time during your visit.
2. Medications - If you require allergy testing, please do not take any anti-histamines for at least 5 days prior to your appointment. Common anti-histamines include:
   • Orally - Loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allergra), desloratadine (Clarinex), cetirizine (Zyrtec), hydroxyzine (Atarax), diphenhydramine, (Benadryl), all over the counter allergy and "cold" medications and sleep aids. If you have questions about your medications, please call our office.
   • Nasal sprays - Azelastine (Astepro), Patanase
   • Certain anti-reflux medications (Zantac, Pepcid) and tricyclic anti-depressants (i.e. Elavil) have antihistamine like properties. If you are taking these, please call our office in advance of your visit for advice as to whether to continue these medications.
   • Prepare a written list of all of your inhaled and oral medications on the clinical history form and bring it to your visit.
   • If you have any questions regarding your medications prior to your visit please contact our office.
3. Referral - If you are covered by an insurance plan that requires a referral/authorization in order for you to be seen by a specialist, please contact your primary care physician prior to your appointment for authorization. Your primary care physician may fax your records and/or authorization to: 617-739-7082.

On the day of your visit

1. What to eat - Eat a normal breakfast/lunch and maintain ample hydration prior to your visit.
2. What to wear - A shirt/blouse with short or loose fitting sleeves which can be rolled up easily to expose the forearm/upper arm is preferable.
3. Exercise - Patients are advised not to exercise vigorously for several hours before/after their assessment.
4. How long will I be there? (New Patients)
   • Depending on the complexity of your case, your having completed the advance materials as requested, and any diagnostic procedures which might be performed, initial consultations usually range from 75-120 minutes.
   • Children - As a significant portion of an initial consultation centers around obtaining a history and patient/parent education, parents bringing siblings/other children who are not the patient are advised to make adequate arrangements to supervise/occupy these children for the duration of the visit. This will enable our staff, the patient and parent(s) to focus on the needs of the patient through the duration of the visit.
5. What to bring
   • Forms - Completed registration, clinical history/medication list and relevant outside records. Completing this prior to arrival will significantly enhance your experience and shorten your waiting time at your assessment.
   • Medications - All current inhalers (with spacer devices), nasal sprays and oral medications (prescription and over the counter). Continue to take your inhaled asthma medications. Unless it is necessary for acute symptoms, asthma patients are asked to refrain from using rescue inhalers (Albuterol) during the 6-8 hours before their visit if possible.
   • Devices - Spacer devices, nebulizers/tubing sets, peak flow meters, and adrenaline injectors (if in your possession already).
   • ID - Insurance identification card and a valid picture ID to your appointment.
   • Referral - If you are covered by an insurance plan which requires an authorization in order for you to be seen by a specialist, please verify your primary care physician has provided this for you prior to your appointment.Your primary care physician may fax your records and referral to 617-739-7082. Any portion that is not covered by your referral or insurance (copay, coinsurance or deductible) is due at the time of service.

TBD

Appointments may be booked in the following ways:

• Email Us Email Form
  Provide us with your contact information and the reason for your visit and our office will contact you to set up an appointment.
• By Calling 617-232-1690
  During office hours, our staff will be pleased to assist you. After hours messages may be left and will be returned on the next business day to set up an appointment.

If you are covered by an insurance plan which requires a referral/authorization in order for you to be seen by a specialist, please contact your primary care physician prior to your appointment to obtain an authorization.

Registration & HIPAA Authorization Form

Medical History Form

Billing Policy & Directions

Frequently Asked Questions

In order for us to accommodate the large volume of requests for medication authorizations during peak allergy seasons and when patients require authorization forms for school (August 1 – September 10) or camp (April 1 – July 1), parents should be aware of the following policies which will facilitate more timely preparation of their children’s allergy/asthma action plans which require review by our physicians and medical staff.

1. Action plans from patient visits - Every patient is provided with a detailed written action plan from this office at each visit. Parents are encouraged to keep these plans and append them to their children’s school/camp record, since this document includes all of the information requested by most schools/camps and has been signed/dated by the child’s physician. If additional documentation is required, please let our staff know at the time of your appointment.
   
   Parents of pediatric patients who have action plans completed in the spring (camp) should keep them for school in the fall unless changes have occurred in their child’s condition which warrants a change in their treatment plan.
2. Digital / e-mail forms – Our office handles school/camp forms electronically. Requests processed in this manner will receive first priority. In addition to the action plan you receive at each visit, this office will provide you with one updated digital copy of your child’s action plan/medication authorization on our letterhead per year upon request. This form includes all relevant information required for medication authorization at school or camp. Parents should update their current email address with our staff, who will be pleased to transmit this document to you, free of charge.
   
   Requests for these forms may be directed via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. In the subject field Type “Allergy Action Plan” and the name of the patient.
3. Prescription refills – Effective spring 2011, whenever possible our office will transmit your prescription medications to area pharmacies electronically. Requests processed in this manner will be handled in a priority manner. Requests for these prescriptions can be requested directed via our electronic patient portal. To do this, existing patients must be registered to connect to our portal. Please contact our office to let us know if you wish to utilize this service.
4. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications – Please be aware that at the present time several OTC medications; such as Benadryl, Tylenol, Zyrtec (Cetirizine), Loratadine (Claritin), Allegra (Fexofenadine), Sudafed and others do not require a prescription by a physician. While we are pleased to provide a medical authorization to receive these medications as part of a patient’s action plan as outlined above, our office does not provide written prescriptions for over-the-counter medications, which do not require a prescription. Several camps have requested that patients fill their medications through their own pharmacy programs in this manner. We suggest you inform them that a prescription for these medications is unnecessary, that you will be bringing your child’s OTC medications and your physician has provided you with written authorization/dosing instructions to administer these medications to continue your child’s care away from home.
5. Paper Forms/Additional Services – Due to the time associated with processing these requests, for parents requesting additional services related to their children’s action plans beyond those listed above, including physician review and completion of healthcare related documents from schools/camps or other institutions, a charge for these services will apply.
   
   For those requesting a paper copy of your child’s forms or written prescriptions, a self-addressed stamped envelope must accompany all written requests for paper documentation. Requests submitted in this manner will expedite processing, but will be handled after other electronic requests are processed. Parents should retain a copy of these forms for their records.
6. Help us, help you. Plan ahead – For those requesting rush completion of forms in less than 72 hours, a charge for these services will apply. We cannot accommodate requests for completion of school/camp forms on a walk-in basis during office hours.
7. Third party transmissions - Transmittal of a child’s forms to school/camp officials or other third parties is a parent’s responsibility. We are not able to accommodate requests to transmit children’s school/camp forms to third parties.

Your ability to comply with these policies will allow us to better serve your child’s needs during/after your visit. Thank you.

Non urgent prescription refill requests may be submitted by contacting our office securely via our patient portal, 24/7.

Prescriptions requested in this manner will generally be filled by of our staff within 24-48 hours after the opening of the next business day.

Patient Portal

Those with time sensitive prescription needs should contact our office during M-F during business hours at 617-232-1690.

After regular office hours, AACM patients with urgent issues requiring immediate attention from an allergy specialist may contact 617-232-1690 and ask to speak to the allergist on call.

Patients with life threatening emergencies which can not wait for a return call should call 911 immediately and proceed to the closest hospital emergency department.

• Anaphylaxis
  • Exercise induced
  • Foods
  • Stinging insects
  • Medications
  • Intravenous contast dye
  • Other
  • More about Anaphylaxis
• Respiratory (Lower)
  • Asthma evaluation and treatment
  • Exercise induced shortness of breath
  • Chronic cough
  • Pulmonary function assessments
  • Vocal / laryngeal assessments
  • Immunotherapy (desensitization to inhalant allergens)
  • More about Asthma/Respiratory
• Respiratory (Upper)
  • Chronic headaches
  • Recurrent ear infections (otitis)
  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) evaluation and treatment
  • Ocular allergy evaluation and treatment
  • Sinusitis evaluation and treatment
  • Immunotherapy (desensitization to inhalant allergens)
  • More about Asthma/Respiratory
• Food allergy
  • Diagnosis and treatment
  • Anaphylaxis / emergency management
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis
  • Development of a food allergy action plan
  • More about Food Allergies
• Skin disorders
  • Urticaria (hives) - Acute /chronic
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
  • Contact dermatitis
  • More about Skin Conditions

• Drug/Vaccine allergy
  • Adverse reactions to medications
  • Adverse reactions to vaccines
  • Diagnosis, testing and action plan
  • More about Drug/Vaccine Allergy

• Insect allergy
  • Diagnosis and treatment
  • Anaphylaxis action plan
  • Venom Immunnotherapy (desensitization to stinging insects)
  • More about Insect Allergy
• Immunodeficiency - Evaluation and treatment
• Latex allergy - Diagnosis and treatment
• Occupational allergic disorders - Diagnosis and treatment

Daniel Steinberg received his Sc.B. from Brown University, Masters degree in microbiology from Boston University and his M.D. from the Boston University School of Medicine.

After completing his residency in internal medicine at the University Hospital in Boston, Dr. Steinberg pursued his specialty training in allergy/clinical immunology as the Vernon Dale Fellow at the National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine in Denver, Colorado. While at the National Jewish Center, his research received first prize from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) for the outstanding study by an allergy/immunology fellow.

Dr. Steinberg has a strong interest in the management of allergic/respiratory disorders as well as the effects of environmental and infectious diseases on public health. He presently serves as Director of the Allergy and Asthma Center of Massachusetts and Assistant Clinical Professor at the Tufts University School of Medicine. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the American Lung Association of Massachusetts, as President of the Massachusetts Allergy & Asthma Society and has been recognized by Boston Magazine as one of Boston's Top Doctors in the field of allergy/immunology.

Dr. Steinberg has been involved in several local, regional and national initiatives advocating for patients with allergic/respiratory and immune disorders. He previously served as Chairman of the Affordable Access and Managed Care Committee of the ACAAI where he was involved in initiatives to enhance affordable access to services for patients with asthma and allergic disorders. From 2005-07, Dr. Steinberg served as Northeast Regional Governor of the Federation of Regional, State & Local Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Societies (RSLAAIS) of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). In 2007, he was elected by the Federation's Board of Governors to serve as Chairman of the AAAAI's Federation of Regional, State & Local Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Societies (2009-2011).

In 2011, Dr. Steinberg received the AAAAI's RSLAAIS Leadership Award "in recognition of service to the regional and national allergy/immunology communities as a leader, mentor, advocate and educator". The AAAAI confers this award in recognition of individuals "whose contributions have advanced the science and knowledge of allergy/immunology, the mission of the AAAAI and helped to improve optimal patient care".

Dr. Steinberg has addressed several professional organizations on topics relating to allergic/respiratory medicine, pharmaceutical safety, integrating emerging technologies to enhance clinical outcomes and the environment's effects on public health. In these areas, Dr. Steinberg serves as consultant and advisor to several organizations and institutions.