How to Schedule an Appointment

How to Book an Appointment as a New Patient (With a Family Doctor):

1. Consult Your Family Doctor
   Speak with your family doctor, specialist doctor or nurse practitioner about your allergy or rheumatology concerns
2. Request a Referral
   Ask a family doctor, specialist doctor or nurse practitioner to refer you to our clinic
3. Fax the Referral
   Your family doctor, specialist doctor or nurse practitioner will fax the referral to us at 416-907-4166
   • Physicians or Nurse Practitioner have the option of sending an eReferral through OceanMD
   •  Visit https://oceanhealthmap.ca/  then type in “ACIR” and you will see all our locations
   • Please note that we only see Rheumatology cases and more complex allergy conditions at our Mississauga location
4. We’ll Contact You
   Once we receive the referral, our team will reach out to schedule your appointment.

Alternatively, you may e-mail us your referral letter (patients@acir.ca)

For Skin Prick Test only

1. Discontinue all antihistamines – do not take any allergy medication, including Gravol 5 days prior to appointments. You may continue all other medications, inhalers/puffers, and nasal sprays.
2. Asthma medications, inhalers and nasal sprays may be continued.
3. Where possible, wear short sleeves for appointments.
4. A cancellation fee may apply for appointments that are cancelled/rescheduled less than 2 days prior to scheduled time.
5.  Your Appointment may take up to 90-minutes. Allergy is one of the only specialties that can conduct your diagnosis, procedure, and treatment within the same appointment. Please be considerate to other patients as they may take longer than you.

Patch Testing Preparation Instructions – Patch testing patients only:

1. Steroid Use Restrictions:
   • Do not use oral steroids (e.g., prednisone) for at least 4 weeks before your appointment.
   • Avoid topical steroids on your back for 2 weeks before your appointment.
2. Skin Condition Preparation:
   • If you have large lesions, extremely dry skin, excessive hair, or acne on your back, these may interfere with the patch testing process. Please address these conditions as follows:
     • Large Lesions or Dry Skin: Please inform our clinic if this applies to you.
     • Excessive Hair: Consider shaving the back area a few days before your appointment (avoid shaving the day of to prevent skin irritation).
     • Excessive Acne: Avoid applying treatments that could irritate the skin in the testing area and treat back acne prior to patch testing
3. Clothing Consideration: Wear clothing that allows easy application and removal of adhesive patches on your back.
4. Kindly contact our allergy clinic at patients@acir.ca or 416-907-2003 if you have any concerns for the following above
5. Special considerations: Please note that you will need to reserve 3 days for patch testing (48 hours in between): 1 day for application, 2nd day for reading, and 3rd day for final result reading

IMPORTANT: Kindly confirm your appointment. You will receive an automated notification via text, email, or voice call. As a courtesy to other patients on the waitlist, we kindly request at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel your appointment. Thank you!

Rheumatology:

Consultation – First Appointment

• Bring Medical Records: X-Rays, CTs or MRIs for MSK (musculoskeletal-related)
• Full List of all your Medications: Include prescriptions, supplements, and past treatments
  • Please note that we have a no narcotics policy
• Track Your Symptoms: When they started, what worsens them, and their impact
• Know Your Family History: Any autoimmune or inflammatory conditions?
• Wear Comfortable Clothing: The doctor may examine your joints

If applicable, procedure – Joint Injections

• Bring a copy of your x-ray report and imaging of the joint being injected 
• Wear Loose Clothing
• Plan for Rest: Avoid heavy activity for 24-48 hours post-injection

Preparing for Your Follow-Up Rheumatology Appointment

• Complete All Tests & Requests: Ensure all blood work, imaging, and forms are done before your visit including any score sheets
• Update Medication Changes: Inform us of any new, stopped, or adjusted medications
• Track Your Symptoms: Note any improvements, new issues, or side effects
• Bring Your Reports: If tests were done elsewhere, bring copies.
• Emergency? Call 911: We do not provide emergency medical care—seek immediate help if needed closest to your ER.

IMPORTANT: Kindly confirm your appointment once notified. You will receive an automated notification via text, email, or voice call. As a courtesy to other patients on the waitlist, we kindly request at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel your appointment. We have a strict rescheduling fee policy for last min cancellations. Thank you!