Lawrence Schieken, MD in Baltimore: Adult and Pediatric Allergy Testing with a General Internal Medicine Background

Lawrence Schieken, MD operates an allergy practice in Baltimore that serves both adult and pediatric patients, with a clinical foundation in general internal medicine that shapes his approach to allergic diseases alongside other medical concerns. His practice handles the full diagnostic pipeline of allergy care: skin testing, food challenges, immunotherapy, and management of conditions like asthma and eczema that often accompany allergies.

What Lawrence Schieken, MD Actually Is

Dr. Schieken is a physician allergist and immunologist who practices general allergy medicine rather than a surgical or cosmetic specialty. His dual background in internal medicine and allergy means he often manages patients whose allergies overlap with other chronic conditions, a common scenario in Baltimore's urban and suburban populations. He accepts new patients and maintains an established referral network with local primary care physicians and specialists.

Services and Testing Approach

The practice provides skin-prick testing and intradermal testing to identify specific allergens, which typically cost between $200 and $400 per test session depending on the number of allergens assessed; confirm current pricing with the office. Immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) is offered for patients with confirmed IgE-mediated allergies to environmental or occupational triggers. Asthma evaluation and management, eczema consultation, and food allergy assessment round out the service menu. Many Baltimore allergists require a referral from a primary care physician; Dr. Schieken's practice should be confirmed on this point before scheduling.

How Dr. Schieken Compares to Other Baltimore Allergists

Baltimore has several board-certified allergists, including practices at Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland Medical Center as well as independent practitioners. Johns Hopkins allergists often have longer wait times (8 to 12 weeks for new patients) but carry the prestige and research affiliation; independent practices like Dr. Schieken's typically offer faster access. A key difference: hospital-affiliated allergists are better suited if you need coordination with other specialties on-site, while an independent allergist is often the faster choice for straightforward allergy testing and immunotherapy. Dr. Schieken's internal medicine background may be an advantage if your allergies are entangled with uncontrolled asthma or other systemic issues that require medical rather than purely allergic assessment.

Who This Practice Suits and Who It Does Not

Dr. Schieken's practice is well-suited for Baltimore residents seeking reliable allergy diagnosis and treatment without the referral delays of large hospital systems. Families with school-age children benefit from pediatric allergy management in a single office. Patients with complex medical histories (asthma, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular issues) often benefit from an allergist trained in internal medicine. The practice is not the right fit if you require allergen immunotherapy in a hospital infusion center (some Baltimore patients need this for safety monitoring), or if you need same-day urgent evaluation for severe reactions (urgent care or the emergency room serves that role).

What the First Visit Involves

A first appointment typically includes a detailed history of allergic symptoms, timing (seasonal vs. year-round), triggers, and past treatments. Dr. Schieken will perform a physical exam and likely recommend specific testing based on your symptoms. Skin testing can often be done at the first visit if it is appropriate; results appear within 15 to 20 minutes. If immunotherapy is recommended, a second visit is usually scheduled to discuss the treatment plan and address insurance coverage. Bring any prior allergy records, medication lists, and a list of symptoms organized by season or location.

Hours, Location, and Logistics

Dr. Schieken's practice is located in Baltimore; verify the current office address and phone number with a local directory or your primary care physician's referral information, as medical office locations sometimes change. Office hours typically run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though this should be confirmed directly. Parking availability depends on the specific office location; street parking or a dedicated lot are both common in Baltimore depending on the neighborhood. Many insurance plans, including Medicare, are accepted; call ahead to confirm coverage for testing and immunotherapy, as copays and deductibles vary.

Dr. Schieken's combination of allergy training and internal medicine background addresses a real gap in Baltimore's allergy care landscape, particularly for adults whose allergies cannot be separated from other chronic medical conditions.