Allergy & Asthma Associates of Northern California

Yes, I come here for shots, 3 every visit to be exact and usually don’t feel them. I have noticed the shots have been working for my many severe allergies. Allergy and Asthma Associates always have nice and friendly staff and a clean waiting area while I wait.

Good:
The doctor is good and nice.
Not good:
I was asked to take a few tests, one of which they told me i would need to pay additional $ 45 out of pocket, which i agreed. The whole tests took about 30 – 60 minutes including wait time.
Ugly:
A month later I received a bill from their office, total more than $ 2,700. My insurance (PPO) paid about $ 1,600, reduced their charge price by about $ 700 from total, and left me $ 350 to pay out of pocket. Totally unexpected and unexplained by the office before the tests.
(I didn’t come in due to serious allergy conditions; just a «check-​up».)

It seems a little strange to be writing a review for a doctor/​medical practice but Dr. Roxanne Leung is absolutely amazing, and I felt compelled to share. In addition to being very bright, she is extremely compassionate, a combination that is sadly lacking with many MDs these days (trust me, I’m an RN). I truly feel that she cares about my health and well-​being, as it relates to all aspects of my life, not just the allergy/​asthma portion. I am so grateful to have found this practice and Dr. Leung, and I am breathing better than I have in years (literally) because of it!

Haven’t yet met the doctors who I am told are good, but the scheduling and wait times are really bad. Went in for a 3 pm appointment, got there early with all forms filled out, but was still waiting at 4 to see the doctor, so had to leave.
May try again, but it is not a good start when no one seems to care about your time.

I’ve been coming here for shots for a while and I am sick of getting messed around. There has been a series of mistakes and issues that make them a pain to deal with.
Their nurses phone line constantly rings out (after sitting through multi minute long recorded message). They take forever to return calls. The lady who arranged the shots I get has been in MIA forever. They forgot to tell me about a prescription I needed to fill before my first appointment. They told my pharmacy to deliver medication the day after my appointment so I missed a shot. And when I arrived a minute after some cut off I’d never even heard of they told me I would have to reschedule.

I made an appointment with Dr Wolfe for my daughter, who has been having mysterious allergy outbreaks. Dr Wolfe, the reception staff and two out of 3 nurses we interacted with were wonderful, unfortunately, that experience was gravely tainted by our interaction with a nurse named Teresa.
My daughter is only 7 years old, and as any typical child would be, and probably just about any adult, was worried, anxious, scared. all the typical emotions, as she was about to undergo allergy testing.
Teresa walked through the door with 3 trays of ‘scratchers’, 110 to be precise. Her first words to us, were ‘I have 110 of these to poke you with and you have to be still or you will bleed’. Really? Whatever happened to introducing yourself?
My poor 7 year old panicked instantly, understandably, and started crying, saying ‘Oh no, oh no, I don’t want you to hurt me!’. Teresa and her horrible bedside manner traumatized my child, and I am just hoping it’s not for life. Teresa then, barely 2 – 3 minutes after upsetting my daughter, rudely blurted out ‘Look, if she doesn’t calm down, I’ll get another nurse to hold her down and she will probably bleed’. What in the actual heck were you thinking, Teresa? My daughter started shaking with fear. Just as I was trying to calm her down, Teresa turned to me and spat out ‘Look Mom, this is just not going to work.‘
Yeah, so. I am not her mother, thank you very much, and if I had been, I’d have taught her better manners for certain. This was only a few minutes in, good god, where’s your patience, woman?
I pointed out that she clearly has no idea how to work with kids and told her to stop talking about bleeding and holding people down, she’s only stressing the child out further. Once she was finally able to shut her mouth, and trust me, she did it rather begrudgingly and I was very close to making a formal complaint to a supervisor.
I talked my daughter into calming down and schooled Teresa on how to work with kids. I made her get one of the prickers without any substance on it, and let my daughter touch and study it, so she’d know what to expect, and instructed Teresa not to talk as though the child wasn’t in the room and for the love of all things sane, to stop using the words ‘blood, bleed’ etc.
I demanded she bring me the wi-​fi password and rigged up my kid’s iPod, all as Teresa stood there huffing and puffing — I couldn’t care less, we were going to take our time, mind you, they should have a TV with cartoons there or something else in order to keep the kids distracted, and definitely the wi-​fi password readily available, so poor Teresa doesn’t have to go out of her way to make young children comfortable.
As we were about to get started, she made yet another mistake — how can you expect the child to be physically comfortable and emotionally settled, if you are not telling them exactly what’s happening and what you’re doing. This woman was an emotional sadist.
She got pricking away, as my poor kid whimpered at the speed she was going — at number 33, I stopped her, and said that we will do 10, counting them together, and then we’re going to give the child a breather. Yet, she still stopped and negatively commented on how my daughter was not being still enough and she may scratch her and make her bleed. Good god, the lack of professionalism and empathy, as well as the absolute lack of sympathy for a sweet little girl’s emotional wellbeing was astounding.
My daughter is remarkably polite — she even said ‘Thank you, Teresa’ after it was all over and I’m certain that Dr. Wolfe as well as the other two nurses would vouch for this little kid’s politeness. She still talks about Teresa and shudders.
In the future, I would advise all parents to be very cautious when this woman walks into the room to work with your child, as my kid is a real trooper, but I seriously kid you not when I say it’s not unlikely that she can emotionally scar some children for life.
I really like Dr Wolfe, but a part of me fears going back there.
I would like to amend my review, as some time after posting it, I got a phone call from the nursing supervisor.
The supervisor explained that Teresa was having a bad day. I was dismayed at this, as someone who is in the nursing profession and dealing with children should never, ever feel at liberty to take their bad day out on the patient. Furthermore, she said they had never had a complaint about Teresa, but right here on Unilocal there are mentions of her unprofessionalism, and clearly they follow their Unilocal feed as they were calling me. I felt they were insincerely apologetic and with an agenda, since much of the conversation was circling my Unilocal review. I clearly stated I had no intention of changing it, because I wanted to warn people.
Soon after, I got a phone call from their office, informing me that Dr Wolfe wouldn’t be able to see us at our follow up appointment which was scheduled weeks out. Coincidence? I think not.

I was sent here on a referral because I was having trouble swallowing when I ate. Dr. Wolfe spent several minutes with me and knew it was not an allergy but a life threatening nuero-​muscular disease. Two days later I was at Stanford (thanks to Dr. Wolfe’s connections) receiving treatment. I credit Dr. Wolfe with saving my life after countless other doctors had no idea what to do with me. My family and I are forever grateful.

I have been coming here for awhile now. I see Dr. Wolfe for my allergies to everything outside haha. I also get allergy shots weekly. The shot station is amazing and the people there assisting you are friendly and sweet. I recently had my shots and as I returned home, I started to have a terrible allergic reaction (go figure). I have never had an allergic reaction so I freaked out. It was after 5 pm and I called and someone answered! They told me to rush over, which I did.
As I walked into the building they took me to a room with 4 nurses and 1 of the allergists. They all cared for me simultaneously. It was amazing! They gave me the epi-​shot and some apple juice to calm me down (which was super yummy).
They were so helpful and they kept me there until my blood pressure lowered.
Amazing staff even after hours!
I have nothing bad to say =]

This site sucks. The doctor spent no more than 3 minutes talking to me then sent me to allergy test. When I finished that, he spent another no more than 3 minutes prescribe something and persuaded me to do allergy shot. And one of staffs there really offended me. When I finished allergy testing, one nurse took photo of me without my permission. His excuse is for charge purpose. Are you kidding? I have a full coverage medical policy! What’s more, when I said I need time to evaluate the cost for allergy shot, the nurse began to get very impatient and judgmental. I feel I was treated as a second class person. Btw, They charged my insurance 1800 buck for just allergy testing. 1800 for such poor service. No kidding. And I have another allergy testing in Pennsylvania before and it was only 300 for insurance. I assume those guys there r only into raising money instead of ur wellness or feeling. Avoid them!

The doctors at this clinic are all very kind and empathic. It’s the only reason I give it two stars and not one (the majority of time is not spent with doctors, its with staff)
If you make the mistake and raise questions with the staff or the manner in which they run their business (nurses, assistants, etc), they throw fits. If you don’t have insurance, you’ll SURELY get treated like a second class citizen (by the staff). They impose arbitrary rules and will tattle to the doctor that you are being difficult to work with (insurance problems, questions about schedules, manner in which they handle scheduling for Xolair shots).
In frustration, I raised my voice a number of times because of the response «i’m sorry, but I’m not the person who handles Xolair, you’ll need to speak with Selena…» Well, Selena is ALWAYS busy. Just hope you don’t need a specialty med handled by one person in the office (and only one), from everything from scheduling to insurance to ordering, to confirming delivery.
CONFIRMING DELIVERY? I had to play middle man month after month between Accredo specialty pharmacy and the this shot station.
Teresa and Stephanie are the worst… they’re truly miserable women who are phony and will talk garbage about you as soon as you turn your back (I heard them bad mouth me when they thought I was on hold).
This place is usually crowded, and is ideal if you like to feel like cattle… just don’t make the mistake of opening your mouth because they will surely throw you overboard.

I recently came here to see Dr. Goldsobel about some allergies I’ve had for a while. Scheduling was pretty easy (especially since they have a few locations in the 408 area), and the entire staff was genuinely friendly and pleasant. Dr. Goldsobel answered all my questions in a clear manner, and used words that I could understand instead of trying to show off his medical vocabulary… and he didn’t try to up-​sell me on the other services they offer here.

I had horrendous seasonal allergies a few years ago, to the point where I dreaded the months of April through June. I finally decided to get tested and discovered I was severely allergic to oak and elm pollen, the two most common pollens in my area. Dr. Leung (who is like the nicest doctor ever, by the way) recommended allergy shots. Even though they’ve been a serious investment, they legitimately work. I haven’t taken an antihistamine (except the ones I have to take for my occasional shots) in two years now and I don’t suffer anymore. Freedom!
So worth it. Also, the shot situation couldn’t be easier.

This was my first and still by far the best allergy department I’ve been in. They customize the shots per person and their allergy test its much more thorough than Kaiser’s. They actually do a huge grid on your back to test for allergens versus Kaiser only does it on your arm. The building here have a huge waiting area and that usually packed but I’ve never really waited for my shots. They already had my allergens already prepared and ready to go. This is one of the most efficient practices I’ve ever seen. Even though I was here for a year, I never made it to maintenence dose because their custom cocktail is so potent. Verses at Kaiser, I got to the maintenance dose really fast because the cocktail is a generic one for everyone. After I went off of PPO, losing access to this place was my biggest regret. Only downside is once you leave, your progress is not transferable.

First off, I’ll just say that the doctors and the medical staff here are awesome — definitely a five star practice. My primary allergist is Dr. Biedermann, and he’s about the nicest guy you would ever want to meet. He’s been overly thorough and definitely takes his time with me — I’ve not really felt «rushed through» at all. And, so far, he has been great at solving some of the chronic issues I’ve «enjoyed» for a good percentage of my life — some that have seemingly eluded other physicians. That is, I’m one of those «I never had allergies» people, growing up … well, wrong! It turns out I’m not only allergic to a few things, some of them are actually quite significant.
Furthermore, in the couple of times Dr. Biedermann hasn’t been available, invariably any other portion of the medical staff has been topnotch.
However, the office staff here just seems to fall short of the mark (and hence worthy of a star deduction). Sometimes it’s frustrating enough that I momentarily consider seeking another practice — except, as I said, for the exceptional care I’ve had from the doctors on-​staff.
For example, not long after coming here, it was mentioned that I would likely be a good candidate for allergy shots. Fair enough, as I’d love to get rid of as much of my incessant sinus issues as possible… or at least tone them down a bit. However, getting that magical postcard (from said office staff) and getting things setup has proved fruitless (even two years later). Maybe today’s appointment well change things… but, we’ll see (it’s officially submitted to the nurses, now, so they can put together my «formula» — so I’m at least optimistic, there, as we venture in to prime allergy season, of course!)
Secondly, every-​single-​time I go to the office, I tell the office staff that «nothing has changed» (even in more than three years, now). So, why do I have to show you my card each time? I’m sure you’d like to verify it — but, I was *just* here less than two weeks ago, and today is simply a checkup from the prior appointment.
That being said, they won’t accept a secure PDF as «proof» and refuse to look at the copy of it on my phone (because «it won’t scan»), or accept it by email (which is «not secure» — even with an encrypted PDF file, apparently), or let me print it to one of the printers in the room from my phone (which can be done over IR or BT, at worst). I mean, seriously?!? Come out of the 90s already… I am not sure why this practice, as big as it is, seems to be about the last one to embrace any form of technology, other than their EMR system (which apparently just «gets in the way» — that is, the exact opposite of what the office portion of the EMR system is designed to do!)
Sure, probably all «First World Problems» and me being a bit grouchy today … so hence, only a star deduction. This place is great… just don’t be surprised if you are sometimes frustrated by the office staff, or need to be more active /​proactive in your own healthcare (something I’m certainly as guilty as the next person on neglecting, I’m sure).

I’ve been here twice so far to see Dr. Leung. Before I get to how amazing she is, I’m going to first discuss the facility.
The facility is not very big and in an area surrounded by other small medical offices. It’s a little hard to find because all the buildings here look the same. Luckily, it’s the only building with the name of the business over the door. This is a huge help. The waiting room is small but intimate and the place looks very «lived in». For me, it’s comfortable. It lets me know that it’s been around for awhile and has been successful. Therefore, it’s trustworthy.
The staff is very friendly. Everything from making a phone call to booking an appointment, the front desk, the skin pricking person, and to the RNs.
If it’s your first time, prepare to take a photo! They will also do a breath test as part of your baseline vital signs. They really spend time with you.
Dr. Leung is the sweetest woman you’ll ever meet. She is a great listener and understands the struggle. She stays positive and helps you feel positive about the situation. I have chronic hives and it’s still ongoing. Although I hate it and I’m not yet cured, I feel optimistic because of her. If you make an appointment with her for anything, you won’t be disappointed. Her detective skills were far beyond my expectations and I’m so happy to be working with her to figure out this disease.

This review is for Dr Leung, absolutely the best doctor you’d want to see for long term asthma and allergy care.
Dr Leung articulates well, great as translating medical mumbo jumbo into plain English, have the best bedside manner and super responsive. She left me personal voice mail about the course of action she took after noting that I had an issue with an allergy shot and gave me her number that i could reach her anytime if I had any questions. I feel completely confident that I’m under Dr Leung’s care to take care allergy and asthma for long term health.

This is my first ever review on any site. Im writing this review because of the worst experience I ever had.
My spouse had mild asthma attack, I suggested him to visit Asthma allergic clinic. He was given some medication. Dr Wolfe wanted him to go through some tests. As this being his first time in the clinic he signed for the tests. No one ever intimated him how much would be the cost of the test. They ran some tests on the first day and asked him to come on the next day, as insurance was not covering it in single day. They colllected copay on both the days. After few weeks they send the bill which is 740 $.
When I approached the billing department all they say is my spouse hasnt asked for the amount while they were conducting the tests. When I ask them why were we not intimated, they say they are offended with my tone and i’m threatening them.
Being in medical field I expect some respect from the doctors and people working in the clinic. The lady who ever spoke to me was really rude on me.

I went there for Allergy test a month ago (I suspected I had dust allergy but wanted to make sure). I will break down my experience as follows:
Good:
— Dr. Biederman was nice to talk to. He seemed very knowledgeable about air-​borne allergies. He explained a lot of things about pollen and other allergies to me.
Bad:
— The wait was excruciating. At one time, the doc said, «excuse me, i’ll be right back» and left the room and didn’t come back for 15 mins. He left again after a few minutes and didn’t come back for another 5 minutes. Not sure if he was seeing two patients at the same time! Certainly felt like it.
Ugly:
The doc asked me to take several allergy tests. He said the nurse will take you in the other room and perform the tests. I said OK and followed the nurse. Before she started poking me with needles, I asked her how much it would cost me. She said she is not aware of the billing but it usually isn’t that bad. Everything went well. the test was done (took more than an hour since they had to observe the result after each test).
Today I got the invoice from my insurance company and it was for $ 1800. I had two types of allergy tests– that’s it. $ 300 for the physician and the rest for laboratory tests. Luckily my insurance company covered most of the cost (CIGNA, if you are wondering). I only had to pay $ 40 co-​pay. But seriously, they should have informed me of the cost before doing the tests. What if I didn’t have insurance?

Worst doctor we have been seen by yet.
Took my 20 month old in to be seen for his FOOD ALLERGIES. While the wait was short for our apt. time and the office was clean/​staff was friendly– the doctor was SO BAD we will never return.
Dr. Biederman didn’t know much about food allergies and had severely outdated knowledge/​recommendations. Given that my 3 year old son has serious anaphylaxis we are very familiar with food allergy doctors. After seeing him once I have since found a great doctor. Dr Nelson at South Bay Allergy & Asthma is amazing and I’m so thankful we found a doctor who is current on food allergy issues.

I have been a patient of Allergy & Asthma Associates for about two years. I think the doctors there are the kindest doctors I have ever met.
I suffer from asthma, allergy and other various health conditions. During my first examination, my doctor really listened to my entire, long medical history and asked me many questions.
He also paid attention to all my concerns and gave me various options to proceed with my health care.
He seems to really care about his patients and do his best to make me feel comfortable. At my first examination he said I can call anytime if I ever have a hard time breathing and he will make sure someone sees me right away. On one occasion, this actually happened and his associate saw me that morning. This speedy service and caring nature starts with his receptionists, who always tries to get you in as soon as possible. They are friendly and professional.
I receive allergy injections and the nurses at the shot station are great and always willing to help. They always ask about how you feel that day and pay attention to you if you have any symptoms of distress.
Thanks Allergy & Asthma Associated for making it easier to breath.