Home2024-08-20T16:40:54-04:00
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Welcome to Asthma and Allergy Affiliates

Serving the North Shore community of Massachusetts since 1972

Our physicians specialize in the care of seasonal allergies, indoor allergies, food allergies, asthma, eczema, and other allergic conditions.  Let us help you take control of your allergies and asthma today

Board-Certified Specialists in the Care of Adult and Pediatric Asthma, Allergy and Immunology

 Our patient-centered philosophy will ensure that you receive individualized care and attention

Our physicians specialize in the care of seasonal allergies, indoor allergies, food allergies, asthma, eczema, and other allergic conditions.  Let us help you take control of your allergies and asthma today

Extensive array of services and programs to present a comprehensive and integrated diagnosis and treatment plan for you beginning from the moment you first step through our doors

Call for an Appointment Today

Click on any marker for image of the office, link for more information (hours, docs who work there) and directions right from your phone

Your Doctor at the Click of a Button

Please make sure you have scheduled an appointment first by calling 978-745-3711. Then fill out the form below.

At the time of your appointment, click on the link under your provider’s name and photo to enter the Waiting Room.

Dr. James Maclean

Start a Visit with

Dr. Maclean

Dr. Cristina Palumbo

Start a Visit with

Dr. Palumbo

Dr. Diana Balekian

Start a Visit with

Dr. Balekian

Dr. Michelle Maciag

Start a Visit with

Dr. Maciag

Dr. Susan Schaefer

Start a Visit with

Dr. Schaefer

Dr. Elizabeth Yakaboski

Start a Visit with

Dr. Yakaboski

Information for Your In-Person Visit

Important Information Prior to Coming in for your Appointment

CoPay or Past Due Amounts can now be paid online. Click below, enter your info on first page, then the amount on the following screen.

HIPAA-compliant Uploads for photos, forms, files

secure upload

Reviews from Patients

I couldn’t be happier with the experience that I had there, starting with the receptionist, very courteous, and got me in there quickly. Actually, I was a canceled appointment, and I was able to get in much, much sooner than I thought I would. I think the nurse, the nurse’s aide or nurse that met me and had questions about my background, et cetera, was clear and concise and very professional.  I felt at ease when I left the facility, and I would highly recommend their practice to others.

I’ve been a patient at Allergy Affiliates for 40 plus years. I guess that proves that I’m happy with them. The doctors are excellent, the nurses are excellent, the front desk is excellent. Everyone, they’re…. they’re very polite people, they treat customers well, patients well, and I’m happy with them.

The provider was great, the staff was great, the nurse was very helpful, very knowledgeable, as well as the provider. Great first-time experience in that office.

Quick, easy, and convenient (allergy shots)

Always a pleasure on my appointment

I highly recommend this facility

Everyone here was really professional. The facility was really clean and I got seen quickly and I was very happy.

The office staff and the doctors are very professional and courteous

I’m impressed with the whole office and the thoroughness of my visit.

Our experience was great. They are always friendly and on time and helpful.

This team has consistently been fantastic and caring over years of care. Highly recommend this practice.

I felt that everyone I talked to was very interested in finding out what they needed to do to make my “problems” better. And every one was very friendly and that means a lot as I have been to several different doctors in the last year or so that definitely were not. Would highly recommend them to anyone I know.

The nurse that gave me my allergy testing was fabulous and I wished she worked in all my doctor’s offices!!

The nurse was lovely, thorough, pleasant and most efficient. She described in good detail each of the tests she was doing . She checked on me frequently and made sure I was most comfortable.

A 10 score ALL around that office! Staff is genuine, knowledgeable and compassionate!!!

Every visit with this provider has been productive and pleasant. All members of this office are knowledgeable, helpful and professional.

Do Not Take Before any Skin Testing or Food Challenge Appointment

  • Antihistamines: Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratidine), Allegra (fexofenadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), Clarinex (desloratidine), Xyzal (levocetirizine), Chlortrimeton (chlorpheneramine), Atarax/Vistaril (hydroxyzine) for 7 days; Periactin (cyproheptadine) for up to 11 days
  • Nasal Sprays: Astepro (azelastine) for 3 days; Nasal Steroids are okay to use (Flonase, Nasacort, Rhinocort)
  • Eye drops: Alaway, Elestat, Lastacaft, Optivar, Patanol, Pataday, Zaditor, Opcon-A for 3 days
  • Antacids: Pepcid (famotidine) or Tagamet (cimetidine) for 3 days; Omeprazole is fine to take
  • Motion-sickness/Nausea: Phenergan, Dramamine for 5 days
  • Cold & Cough medicines: Delsym, Dimetapp, Drixoral, NyQuil, Robitussin, Triaminic, Tussionex for 7-10 days
  • Sleep Aids: (e.g. Unisom) for 5-7 days

Continue to take all asthma medications, nasal steroids as well as your regular prescriptions

Do NOT stop the following without speaking to the prescribing physician

  • Buproprion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), Eszopiclone (Lunesta), Trazadone (Desyrel), Zolpidem (Ambien) for 3 days
  • Mirtazapine (Remeron), Quetiapine (Seroquel) for up to 7 days
  • Clonazepam (Klonopin), Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan), Midazolam (Versed) for up to 7 days
  • Amitryptyline (Elavil), Doxepin, Imipramine, Nortriptiline for up to 7 days

Insurance & Methods of Payment

We accept all major insurance policies. You are responsible for co-payments, non-covered services, and deductibles. Payment is expected at the time of your visit. We accept cash, checks, VISA and Mastercard. We’ll work with you to set up a payment plan for any large balance. Please understand while our staff is knowledgeable about what most insurance policies generally cover, each policy is different so we cannot be responsible for making sure that your insurance will cover the services you need.

We encourage all of our patients to understand their financial responsibility. Please call the number on the back of your insurance card to find out if you have a copay, deductible or coinsurance. Also ensure that the doctor you’re scheduled with is in your insurance network. Our billing office is happy to help you with this process. Please call 978-745-3711 and ask for billing.

Glossary of Payment Terms:

  • Copay: The amount you are required to pay at your visit.
  • Deductible: The amount you pay for your treatment before insurance starts
    to pay. This could be applied to allergy testing and breathing tests.
  • Coinsurance: Usually a percentage of your bill that you are responsible
    to pay.

New information about Surprise Medical Bills – click here

Information for Your In-Person Visit

  • Make sure no one in your family/residence has had symptoms of coronavirus/COVID-19 for 1 month prior to your visit (fever, cough, etc)

  • Stay off antihistamines for at least 5 days (see list to the right)

  • Please minimize number of people attending the visit – 1 parent and no siblings strongly encouraged. Please speak to the office for extenuating circumstances

  • Bring and wear a mask for the duration of your visit (including time spent in the exam room)

Our Offices

Click image for more info

Salem

Danvers

North Andover

    • Antihistamines: Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratidine), Allegra (fexofenadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), Clarinex (desloratidine), Xyzal (levocetirizine), Chlortrimeton (chlorpheneramine), Atarax/Vistaril (hydroxyzine) for 7 days; Periactin (cyproheptadine) for up to 11 days
    • Nasal Sprays: Astepro (azelastine) for 3 days; Nasal Steroids are okay to use (Flonase, Nasacort, Rhinocort)
    • Eye drops: Alaway, Elestat, Lastacaft, Optivar, Patanol, Pataday, Zaditor, Opcon-A for 3 days
    • Antacids: Pepcid (famotidine) or Tagamet (cimetidine) for 3 days; Omeprazole is fine to take
    • Motion-sickness/Nausea: Phenergan, Dramamine for 5 days
    • Cold & Cough medicines: Delsym, Dimetapp, Drixoral, NyQuil, Robitussin, Triaminic, Tussionex for 7-10 days
    • Sleep Aids: (e.g. Unisom) for 5-7 days

    Do NOT stop the following without speaking to the prescribing physician

    • Buproprion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), Eszopiclone (Lunesta), Trazadone (Desyrel), Zolpidem (Ambien) for 3 days
    • Mirtazapine (Remeron), Quetiapine (Seroquel) for up to 7 days
    • Clonazepam (Klonopin), Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan), Midazolam (Versed) for up to 7 days
    • Amitryptyline (Elavil), Doxepin, Imipramine, Nortriptiline for up to 7 days

    Continue to take all asthma medications, nasal steroids as well as your regular prescriptions

We accept all major insurance policies. You are responsible for co-payments, non-covered services, and deductibles. Payment is expected at the time of your visit. We accept cash, checks, VISA and Mastercard. We’ll work with you to set up a payment plan for any large balance. Please understand while our staff is knowledgeable about what most insurance policies generally cover, each policy is different so we cannot be responsible for making sure that your insurance will cover the services you need.

We encourage all of our patients to understand their financial responsibility. Please call the number on the back of your insurance card to find out if you have a copay, deductible or coinsurance. Also ensure that the doctor you’re scheduled with is in your insurance network. Our billing office is happy to help you with this process. Please call 978-745-3711 and ask for billing.

Glossary of Payment Terms:

  • Copay: The amount you are required to pay at your visit.
  • Deductible: The amount you pay for your treatment before insurance starts
    to pay. This could be applied to allergy testing and breathing tests.
  • Coinsurance: Usually a percentage of your bill that you are responsible
    to pay.

CoPay or Past Due Amounts can now be paid online. Click below, enter your info on first page, then the amount on the following screen.

HIPAA-compliant Uploads for photos, forms, files

secure upload

Patient Education including Baked Egg/Milk Recipes, Videos and Handouts

New Information about Xolair (omalizumab) for Food Allergies

Access your chart or schedule allergy shots by using the Partners Patient Gateway link below

Please fill out the New or Follow Up form below prior to your Appointment

It is very important that you complete the appropriate form before your In Person or Telemedicine appointment. Your doctor will review this information the day before or morning of your appointment. This will help with the flow of your appointment and replaces the need to come in early to fill out forms in the office.
*Follow ups are patients who have been seen in the office within the past 3 years

Please fill out the New or Follow Up form below prior to your Appointment

It is very important that you complete the appropriate form before your In Person or Telemedicine appointment. Your doctor will review this information the day before or morning of your appointment. This will help with the flow of your appointment and replaces the need to come in early to fill out forms in the office.
*Follow ups are patients who have been seen in the office within the past 3 years

We Treat the Following Conditions and Offer these Services

  • Food Allergy
  • Asthma
  • Seasonal Allergies
  • Year-Round Allergies
  • Sinusitis
  • Nonallergic Rhinitis
  • Allergic Conjunctivitis
  • Drug or Vaccine Allergies
  • Chronic Cough
  • Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Contact Dermatitis
  • Bee Sting Allergies
  • Hives / Urticaria
  • Angioedema / Swelling
  • Primary Immunodeficiencies
  • Latex Allergy
  • Environmental Skin Testing
  • Food Skin Testing
  • Contact Dermatitis Patch Testing
  • Spirometry
  • Allergy Shots
  • Allergen Immunotherapy
  • Xolair Treatments
  • Immunodeficiency Testing