Y Howard Pung, MD in Baltimore: Adult and Pediatric Allergy Specialty Care

Y Howard Pung, MD operates a standalone allergy and immunology practice in Baltimore serving patients from infancy through adulthood, with a focus on both diagnostic testing and long-term management of allergic and immunologic conditions. The practice handles the full scope of allergist work—environmental allergies, food allergy evaluation, asthma, drug reactions, and immunologic disorders—and accepts most major insurance plans, though specific coverage should be confirmed with your carrier before scheduling.

Diagnostic and treatment approach

Pung's practice uses direct skin prick testing for allergen identification rather than relying solely on blood serology, which allows for immediate results and faster treatment planning. Skin testing is generally standard practice across Baltimore allergy clinics, but same-day results eliminate the week-long wait many patients experience when labs process blood samples offsite. The practice offers subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) as well as sublingual tablet options for certain aeroallergen groups. Immunotherapy typically requires a build-up phase of 3 to 6 months before reaching effective maintenance doses; maintenance visits are generally monthly but can be spaced to every 4 to 6 weeks once stabilized.

Food allergy management includes oral immunotherapy consultation for selected patients, though this treatment is not universally offered at all Baltimore-area practices. Oral immunotherapy for peanut and milk allergies requires careful patient selection, intensive initial dosing appointments, and close monitoring; it is a specialized service that positions this practice differently from primary-care or general-practice allergy referral patterns.

Pricing and insurance

The practice accepts Medicare, most commercial HMO and PPO plans, and many self-funded employer plans. Specific copays and deductibles depend on your individual policy; call ahead to verify your plan's terms. Allergy testing costs typically range from $200 to $400 out-of-pocket if uninsured, with insurance reducing individual liability to a copay (often $20–$50) or coinsurance. Immunotherapy injection visits are usually billed as office visits with a standard copay after the initial consultation. Sublingual tablet therapy may or may not be fully covered; this varies by plan and requires specific verification with your insurance company.

How it compares to other Baltimore allergists

Baltimore has several established allergists, including practices affiliated with University of Maryland Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center, as well as independent practices. University-affiliated practices tend to have longer new-patient wait times (6 to 12 weeks in many cases) and may require referrals from your primary care physician as a prerequisite. Pung's independent practice typically offers shorter wait times for initial consultations, often 2 to 4 weeks, and generally does not require a referral. However, independent practices often lack on-site laboratory or imaging capabilities if complications arise; complex cases may be referred back to a hospital system. For routine allergic rhinitis, asthma triggered by allergies, or food allergy evaluation and management, an independent practice is usually sufficient. For immunocompromised patients or those with suspected systemic autoimmune disease, hospital-affiliated allergists may offer easier access to rheumatology or immunology services.

Who this practice suits and does not suit

This practice works well for patients seeking straightforward allergy diagnosis and immunotherapy management, families with children who need pediatric allergy evaluation, and adults with environmental or food allergies seeking an efficient referral pathway. It is less suitable for patients requiring complex immunologic workup for primary immunodeficiency (a specialized field distinct from clinical allergy), those unable to attend monthly appointments over several years, or patients who strongly prefer hospital-based care for continuity with other specialists.

The first visit

A new-patient appointment typically runs 45 to 60 minutes. You will be asked to complete a detailed symptom and exposure history, including seasonal patterns, indoor allergen exposure (pets, dust, mold), food reaction history, and current medications. The allergist will perform a focused physical examination and order allergy skin testing if symptoms suggest specific allergen triggers. Skin prick testing results appear within 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the allergist to discuss findings and treatment options in the same visit. Insurance cards and photo ID are required; bring any previous allergy test results if available from another provider.

Hours, location, and parking

The practice is located in Baltimore. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with limited or no Saturday availability. Verify current hours before scheduling, as specialty practices sometimes adjust seasonally or due to administrative changes. Parking is generally available in the building or nearby street parking, depending on the exact location. A verification call to the office is advisable for current address and parking details.

Y Howard Pung, MD fills a gap for Baltimore patients seeking timely allergy diagnosis without hospital system delays, while offering specialized therapies like oral immunotherapy that are not uniformly available across local practices.