FAQs

Sinus and Allergy

Are the sinus treatments appropriate for children?

Yes! Most children do very well, and many even fall asleep during the treatment. We will refund your money should your child decide not to participate once here. The vast majority of kids love it and ask to come back.

Do you test for food allergies?

Most food allergies are best diagnosed by taking a detailed history and then confirming with a skin or blood test. Blood tests often over-diagnose food allergies and are not reliable without a good history. If you suspect you might have a food allergy, we recommend first keeping a food diary and bringing that into your appointment with Dr. Bowden. Diet has become a well-recognized source of inflammation in our body, and until recently, diagnosis was limited to poorly validated blood tests measuring IgE and IgG responses to foods. The most reliable and complete test to measure food sensitivities is the Mediator Release Test, which quantifies the inflammatory response to 170 different foods and food chemicals (sample report.) The test by itself costs $415.00, requires a blood draw in our office, and results are back in 7 - 10 days. We recommend a follow-up consultation with a certified dietician who will review your results and come up with a customized plan to rid your body of inflammation. Unlike food allergies, food sensitivities are temporary, and after several months, the body can tolerate the offending foods once again.

What is the difference between food allergies and food sensitivities?

Both food allergies and food sensitivities cause inflammatory reactions in the body, but food allergy reactions typically occur soon after ingestion of the food and can be life-threatening. Food sensitivities work differently, with a slower response time (typically 72 hours after food ingestion), and unlike food allergies, can be cured with temporary elimination of the offending foods. We do not test for food allergies at our office but do have a blood test available (the Mediator Release Test) to assess for food sensitivities.

Do you recommend allergy shots or drops?

We provide both forms of allergy treatment. Shots and drops are equally effective. Generally, drops are better for patients who prefer the convenience of treatment at home. Shots are done in the office or curbside and require a 20-minute observation period afterward; some people prefer this modality as they are kept on a schedule, resulting in better compliance.

Insurance and Office Policies

Do you take insurance? Do you take Medicare or Medicaid?

We do not take insurance but make it easy for you to file your claim by providing you with diagnostic codes (ICD-10) and procedure codes (CPT) to submit with your claim that can go towards your out-of-network benefits. We also accept payments through HSA and FSA accounts. Per government rules, Medicare and Medicaid patients are not permitted to submit receipts for reimbursement, though supplemental plans may reimburse for a portion of the expenses.

Why do you not take insurance?

Dr. Bowden believes she can provide better care by not contracting with insurance companies or the government. She spends more time with each patient and is not limited in treatment options by third-party rules. By keeping prices transparent, patients are able to know exactly what everything will cost and compare with other providers. She believes insurance is better used for catastrophic care.

Will my health information be kept private?

We do not share your private, confidential medical information with ANYONE without your written permission, and we do not enter your private information into any government or insurance database (where it may not be secure).

Will my insurance cover any of the charges/procedures/surgery?

For services provided by Dr. Bowden/ BreatheMD, we will provide you with a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Because we are not contracted with any insurance companies, these claims will be filed under your out-of-network benefits.

Services ordered by Dr. Bowden but provided by other facilities (i.e., lab, x-ray, surgery center, and hospital facility fees) are often covered under the contracted terms of your insurance plan.

We recommend you contact your insurance carrier to understand how your insurance will reimburse you for services provided by our office. Unfortunately, insurance carriers are not always willing to provide their allowable fees or disclose which billing codes they will cover. If this is the case, you may want to contact the Texas Department of Insurance.

Many insurance companies require pre-authorization or approval before a procedure is done. You may fill out the following form to submit to your insurance company; we also recommend checking your insurance company’s website to see if this can be done online. PREAUTHORIZATION FORM

Do you offer any payment plans or financing options?

CareCredit is an option for patients needing financing.

What is your policy for late appointments & cancellations?

Please arrive at your appointment at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time. All services offered have a specific schedule, and early arrival allows for a relaxed and unhurried experience. If late arrival is inevitable, your service(s) may be shortened to keep on schedule.

How do I obtain a refill on my prescription?

Every request for refills must be reviewed by Dr. Bowden, and she will personally submit the prescription to the pharmacy. To request a refill, please use this link.

I don’t live in Texas. May I still see the doctor?

Dr. Bowden is only licensed to treat patients in Texas. All new patients must be seen in person in her office.