Tuesday 5/19/15 Had my first allergy appointment and it went very well! I was pleased with the service and left well informed. I was looking for allergy doctors through my insurance and Dr. Rihal was one that showed up under the doctors that were in the network. The facility, West Houston Allergy & Asthma was only 20 minutes away from my home, so I chose it. Making an appt was very easy. In fact, easier than most. I made an appt 2 weeks ahead of time and the receptionists were extremely helpful. They explained the procedures of what an allergy test consists of and how a patient would get assessed. And after making my appt, they asked if I had a computer and working internet so that I could easily print out the new patient information to fill out and just have it ready. I ended up faxing my new patient forms. I also called a couple days afterwards to make sure they received it. And surely enough, they did. I also made sure to ask how much my visit would be, because apparently an allergy test can cost up to $750. Ouch. I kid you not, it seriously costs that much. At first, coming to my appt, I was a little lost since there's like 3 medical buildings next to each other. There's St. Catherine's, Medical Plaza I, and Medical Plaza II. One way I knew I was at the right place, was that the buildings had the address on it. They are in Medical Plaza I. But walking in, I was still lost, so I called the office asking where to go. Again, receptionists were very nice and helped me in finding my way to the office. Came into the office, didn't have to fill in paper work cause I faxed it (WOHOO), and waited about 10 minutes in the waiting room. My appt was supposed to be at 2:30 but because I was a little lost, that took some time. I was called in, brought into the room and did assessments, such as getting weight, temperature, blood pressure... Etc all that taken care of and the medical assistants/receptionists were very gentle and nice. Dr. Rihal came in and greeted me. He was very welcoming and asked what my reason for coming in. I told him that I thought I was allergic to cats and he was very knowledgeable about what happens. He also asked if I had any skin conditions to maybe see what could cause my allergies. I told him that I have a huge spot of eczema on my back. And what I really like about this doctor is that he brought in a female staff member in the room while looking at my back to ensure that I would be okay and comfortable, since he was lifting up my shirt. I did an allergy test. I actually didn't get pricked, or had patches. I actually had this method used where they dipped a small tube filled with allergens and did a little scratch on both of my arms. It actually didn't hurt. It really just felt like a scratch. After they do that, they tell you not to scratch for 20 minutes, so that they could assess you on what you're reacting to the most. And let me tell you, I started reacting, and I wanted to scratch so bad. The medical assistants would check to on me every 5 minutes to see how I'm doing and then after 20 minutes, Dr. Rihal came in to assess me on what was happening. He explained everything thoroughly and informed me about all the allergens that could cause my sneezing, mucous, and itchiness. He gave me samples to take home to help see if this is the medication that would help. For my first appt, I came out feeling informed knowing what allergies I have and how to treat it. The staff at West Houston Allergy & Asthma were caring, gentle, and nice. You don't get that often at doctors offices, but at this particular facility, I did. I left happy and feeling pretty good. I have a 6 month appt coming up, you bet I'll be coming back! read more

West Houston Allergy & Asthma - Allergy test! I wanted to scratch so bad, but I couldn't for 20 minutes! - Allergists Near Me - Katy, Texas

So I've tried allergists before and this is by far my favorite doctor. He gave the prior diagnosis of what you could have and started the test immediately. They tested a basic 75 prick skin test. Didn't hurt at all, the painful part was when you were having an allergic reaction. The staff was really kind when working with them. Wait time was probably about 20 minutes but that's common for all doctors. Good thing is tests were covered by insurance. After they saw my results they gave me prescribed medication and the doctor gave me choices for future medication. He is very informative which I love most of all. Couldn't tell you the price of the tests since they were covered by insurance, so you should be fine if you have United Healthcare . Other than that I'd check to see if your covered, they get expensive. read more

West Houston Allergy & Asthma - 75 prick skin test. Test for mold, trees, grass, ragweed, etc. - Allergists Near Me - Katy, Texas

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I had a positive experience at this office. Dr. Rihal and his staff were great. I had an appointment for 3:30, I arrived on time with my patient forms completed and I was in an exam with minutes. Dr. Rihal was informative and me made sure I understood the information he relayed. I would recommend this office to my anyone. read more

I have not even seen the doctor yet and I'm already disappointed in this facility. My appointment was scheduled at 1:30pm. As all doctor appointments, my daughter (5 years old) and I came 15 minutes early. They are not even opened!! Who schedules an appointment at 1:30 with NO notification stating that they will be at lunch from 12-1:30. Not even a place to sit down at so we had to wait outside standing for 15 minutes. This is very unprofessional. And of course they open exactly at 1:30pm! Good thing I finished the paperwork ahead of time. I usually come in early to do the paperwork at all other doctors. Since I'm already here I will see the Doctor but this first, horrible impression has already lost my business and I'm looking elsewhere. Get it together office, or maybe you should have At least ONE person present so people can have somewhere to sit down and start on paperwork! Poor management!! Not to mention the only children book they had was moldy, how disgusting. Out of the 6 people waiting, I was finally called in after waiting for 20 minutes, not to mention I was the first one in there. I filled out all of the paperwork from home and had everything organized and ready for them. The lady at the front looked so confused and had to ask other ladies what else was needed. Very unprofessional that when she finally called me in for the copay, I just left. I cannot and will NOT give money to a facility that is very unprofessional. Didn't even bother seeing a doctor and going to another one driving 30 minutes farther for their business! read more

I hate that they ask I come in at 9:00 a.m. for my appointment and there were 2 other people waiting in line for doors to open so we had to stand outside. All other patients were seen before me. To make things worse PA came in with a Spanish interpreter. I found this extremely offensive. I am American who has lived my entire life in this country. Why would they assume based on my last name I did not speak English??? Also, they insisted I had to come in before I got my heartburn medication but they did absolutely nothing for me but get my prescription filled out. Super annoying. read more

God put the best doctor in my life. I started to see him I think 14 yrs ago and always he help me and explain everything about my problem. He is kind person. God bless him always..!! read more

I saw Dr. Rihal at his Richmond location back in 2014 for what was a suspected wheat allergy. I was tested for a wheat allergy as well as celiac disease (which I was not aware of). After creating a Lab Corp account today for some other blood work, I saw in fact that I was positive for celiac disease two years ago. I was never contacted by Dr. Rihal's office to let me know of this. I also had an extremely low IgA level. I was recently formally diagnosed with IgA immune deficiency as well as celiac disease, yet according to the blood work Dr. Rihal ran, I had these conditions back in 2014. They were never reported to me. I find this to be gross medical negligence. I would never recommend anyone to this office or Dr. Rihal after this experience. read more

My family has been seen at this office for seven years, including asthma management, allergy testing, and allergy shots. The office can get fairly crowded for after -school shot hours, but generally the wait to see a doctor or PA is not a long one. Staff is friendly and courteous. But most of all, the care my daughter has received here has been life-changing ! Thank you, Dr. Rihal! read more

I have been going to Katy, TX facility many years for allergy and asthma treatment. There have been some annoying incidents of waiting too long or the silly first appt after lunch where they do not even unlock door in the lobby area at 1:30 when your appt is 1:30. They would rather you wait in the hallway. Other doctor offices I have gone to will let you sit down and you can check in when they open. I have tolerated this annoyance and others as my medical care was good. Today I am very disappointed in the lack of compassion and consideration of a request I made. One of my asthma medications ran out of refills. Since the flu season is VERY bad this year I called the office and asked could I get 1-3 refills to get over the peak season as I have an elderly family member with Parkinson's living with me that I am trying to limit exposure especially at doctor offices by bringing virus home then I will schedule an appt. April/May. I said it means so much to me that I would go without the asthma medicine if not approved. I got the answer of no, I needed to come in. Guess time to shop around for another doctor with more patient compassion as there should be exceptions to rules when warranted and not that it matters, but have never asked for any understanding exception requests before. read more