Know what to expect
Most of the worry in an allergy journey is the not-knowing. Here’s exactly how appointments work, what to bring, and what you’ll leave with.
If your child is having trouble breathing, has swelling of the tongue or throat, or is pale and floppy after food — call 000 now. This website is not for emergencies.
Step by step
Your first visit, in three steps
Ask your GP for a referral
A referral to Dr O’Reilly means Medicare rebates apply. Your GP can send it to us directly, or you can bring it along.
Come in for the consultation
Unhurried time with the specialist: your child’s history, an examination, and — where it’s needed — skin-prick testing on the day.
Leave with a clear plan
Results explained in plain language, a written action plan, and a follow-up path you understand before you walk out the door.
Take a look first
See the clinic before you visit
A short walk-through with Dr O’Reilly — so your child can see the rooms, the toys and the friendly faces before the day, and arrive knowing it’s nothing to be nervous about.
On the day
How the appointment runs
The story first. Dr O’Reilly starts with your child’s full history — feeding, skin, reactions, family patterns. This is where most of the diagnostic work happens, so it’s never rushed.
Then the examination and testing. If skin-prick testing will change the plan, it’s usually done there and then. Results appear within about twenty minutes and are explained before you leave.
Then the plan. You leave with a written plan — what’s confirmed, what’s ruled out, what happens next, and exactly what to do if a reaction occurs. Your GP receives a letter in plain, useful language.
Be ready
What to bring
- Your GP or specialist referral (if it wasn’t sent ahead)
- Your child’s Medicare card
- Any previous test results or specialist letters
- A list of current medicines, including creams and inhalers
- Photos of past reactions or rashes, if you have them
- A snack and a favourite toy — waiting is easier with both
Antihistamines can mask skin-prick results — where it’s safe, pause them three to five days before the appointment. If that’s not possible, come anyway; we’ll plan around it. More detail in the FAQs.
