WCIF Allergist or Allergy medication?

[Battery9]

do you guys use that nasal cleaner torture machine? It's really good. You can buy it at some pharmacies. You place some salt and water into the bottle, then shove a pipe up your nose and it runs through and out the other nostril. Cleared a headache I couldn't get rid of with meds. And found a lost remote control. Awesome stuff.

[Mucha Man]

I need to go for all the tests when I get back. Any hospital or doctor recommendations and do I need to see a GP first for a referral to an allergist or just ask to see one when I register?

I'm based in central Taiwan, so Taichung Veterans General Hospital (VGH) is my recommendation. Basically any hospital with outpatient clinics of allergist/rheumatologist should have most of the tests, but there're even more in Taichung VGH, which are very complete in my opinion. But you'd better bear in mind that under the pressure of NHI, most doctors would do some preliminary tests before going thoroughly, not to mention that it costs higher in medical center and you have to wait longer. And if you are very sure about your problem, it's not compulsory to go to the GP first for a referral.

Thanks. Do you mean I have to pay for the tests, or just that you pay a higher service fee at hospitals?

[kau826]

Thanks. Do you mean I have to pay for the tests, or just that you pay a higher service fee at hospitals?

Sorry, I didn't make it clearer . And no, you don't have to pay for "most" of the tests. But some of the allergen-identifying kits, especially for the rare allergens, are not under the coverage of NHI. And yes, you just have to pay a higher service fee at that kind of hospitals.

[Mucha Man]

Thanks. Do you mean I have to pay for the tests, or just that you pay a higher service fee at hospitals?

Sorry, I didn't make it clearer . And no, you don't have to pay for "most" of the tests. But some of the allergen-identifying kits, especially for the rare allergens, are not under the coverage of NHI. And yes, you just have to pay a higher service fee at that kind of hospitals.

Thanks. I'm pretty sure my allergies are standard mold, dust and pollens. Especially mold.

[coupdeGraced]

If you are in Taipei, go to Shanghai Pharmacy, on Hangzhou Road, they have the best prices for Allegra and Zyrtec.

However, most hospitals have decent allergy doctors, who can do all the battery of tests required for a small fee, very cheap, and get you a nice supply of Zyrtec for the consultation fee. I get mine at my next door ENT and for 150nts, I get a month.

You get a month worth of supply?? How? I just came back from a dermatologist who prescribed me Allegra for my skin allergies, but only for 3 days. I asked if I could have more and she said the NHI only covers 3 days at a time, or you can self-pay and get more.

Luckily I work near this Shanghai Pharmacy you mentioned Will definitely make a trip one of these days, so thanks for the tip!