The primary goals of STAR OIT are to increase the threshold for allergic reactions, reduce the risk of severe reactions (like anaphylaxis) from accidental exposure, expand dietary options, and ultimately improve the overall quality of life for individuals with food allergies. STAR OIT works by gradually exposing your body's immune system to small, controlled doses of the allergenic food. Over time, this repeated exposure can help desensitize the immune system, making it less reactive and reducing the risk of allergic reactions upon accidental ingestion. We aim to build lasting tolerance and allergy resilience. 

We currently offer STAR OIT for a range of common food allergens, including peanut, tree-nut, cashew, pistachio, walnut, milk, egg, wheat, and more. Please contact us with your specific concern, as our list is constantly growing and evolving.  Our eligibility assessment will determine if OIT is appropriate for your specific allergies. 

The STAR OIT program may be a suitable option for individuals with persistent IgE-mediated food allergies who are looking to:

• Reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions from accidental ingestion.  

• Increase the threshold for allergic reactions.  

• Expand dietary options and improve nutritional intake.

• Decrease anxiety and improve overall quality of life for themselves or their children

The duration of the STAR OIT program varies depending on the individual's allergies and progress. It typically involves an initial build-up phase that can last several months, followed by a maintenance phase that is ongoing. 

While OIT is very exciting, the STAR OIT program is designed to follow a safe and effective process.  OIT requires a significant commitment from patients and their families, especially during the initial build-up phase which involves regular in-clinic visits (a visit every 2 weeks) and daily home dosing. As tolerance increases, the frequency of clinic visits usually decreases. To ensure the safety of our patients, the majority of visits will occur in the morning hours. the "end goal" can vary widely by patient and by allergen.  The earliest goal would be to achieve tolerance to accidental ingestion.  The most advanced goal would be to tolerate a full serving of the allergen.  We will develop your custom treatment plan based on your goal.

Initial up-dosing and certain follow-up appointments are conducted in our clinic under strict medical supervision to ensure patient safety. Maintenance dosing is typically done at home following detailed instructions. During each visit, we will provide you with clear instructions.  For additional questions, we are always happy to help over the phone as well.

While STAR OIT can lead to significant desensitization and increased tolerance, it is generally not considered a cure for food allergies. Most participants will need to continue a daily maintenance dose of the allergen to maintain their level of tolerance. However, it can provide a significant level of protection and freedom. 

What is the cost of the STAR OIT program? The majority of the costs associated with your STAR OIT treatment are typically covered by insurance (office visits and monitoring). However, coverage can vary significantly depending on your specific insurance plan. We strongly recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand your individual benefits, including copays, deductibles, and any prior authorization requirements for allergy treatment and oral immunotherapy.  We are happy to assist with this process, but please understand that we are only relaying information that is provided by your insurance and conveying this information is not a guarantee of benefits or coverage.

Are there additional fees beyond what insurance covers? Yes, there is a program fee associated with STAR OIT. This fee helps to cover costs we incur that are not typically covered by insurance, such as the specialized preparation of your take-home allergen mixes, necessary medical supplies, additional safety and sterilization, and the dedicated staff time involved in the program. The program fee varies based on the number of allergens.

Why is there a program fee? The preparation for each up-dosing visit is a time-intensive process, often taking one to two hours of staff time for each visit for tasks such as precise allergen mixing and stringent sterilization procedures to ensure patient safety. This program fee helps us maintain the high standards of care and safety necessary for effective OIT treatment. While we understand this represents an additional expense, it's important to consider that the cost of managing severe allergic reactions, including potential ER visits, can be significantly higher.

What about the cost of blood work? Please note that blood work, which may be required as part of your allergy management, is typically handled by external laboratories. You will need to check with your insurance provider and the specific lab regarding coverage for allergy-related blood tests, as these costs are generally not covered under our program fees. We do not perform blood work in our clinic. If you have concerns, please notify our office prior to obtaining the bloodwork and we can determine the best options for you.

What is the first step to enroll in the STAR OIT program? To begin the process, please contact our office at 267-396-7873 to schedule an initial consultation.

What information should I bring to the initial consultation? Please bring detailed information about your allergy history, including previous reactions, allergy testing results, and any other relevant medical records.