5 Best Allergy Specialists in Adelaide Who Turn Sneezy into Breezy

Allergy SA has four highly qualified attending specialists that cater to adults and children. Dr. William Smith and Dr. Anthony Smith are allergists for adult care, while Prof. Michael Gold and Dr. Patrick Quinn attend to child and teen patients.

The clinic provides skin prick testing and intradermal testing for minor to serious allergies. They also offer sublingual and injection immunotherapy as well as consultation. 

Appointments are booked over the phone, but I found communication with the clinic to be challenging. There were times when my calls went unreturned. 

In addition, there were complaints about the receptionist’s attitude. Specifically, it was unreturned calls and poor service that sparked frustration. 

Worth the cost!

“It was really nice to meet such a lovely kind man at our appointment with Dr William Smith. I went expected the out of pocket cost to be what the amount charged was and I’m pleasantly surprised that there was a medicare refund for a few hundred dollars. All of the staff we spoke to were so nice and caring. Thank you very much for your help.”

Karen D | Google Review

Disappointing receptionist encounter and a brilliant doctor!  

“If it wasn’t for the receptionist attitude I would honestly give SA Allergy a 5 star. First approach of a certain receptionist was quite disappointing to say the least. Her attitude and tone of voice left me in tears. Following this Dr. Anthony Smith was BRILLIANT and he had all the time in the world, knowledgeable and was exceptionally polite. Would highly recommend him.” 

Bella Nitschke | Google Review

Adelaide Paediatrics Wayville is a one-stop solution for your child’s allergy management. Its services include skin prick testing, immunotherapy, and dietitian support. 

Their team consists of four allergy specialists and two dietitians, all with years of experience. For example, Laura Freer specialises in allergy dietetics with over 17 years of working experience with families across Adelaide.

The clinic is also located near the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds. I find this very convenient because it’s accessible to public transport and street parking. 

I had my child come here for a consultation on her food allergy. Although we waited a long time, I liked our appointment with Dr. Henning. He was very thorough and attentive. I also appreciate that he went above and beyond his duties to organise tests for my daughter.

However, you may have to wait a while, even when you book an appointment.

Very professional and helpful 

“Our son had an appointment today. The ladies at the desk were welcoming. The doctor that saw our son was very professional and helpful. Helped us with lots of information. Would recommend Adelaide paediatrics.” 

Brad Wiseman | Google Review

Highly-recommended Dr. Henning!

“Dr. Henning is amazing!! Our son saw him for allergy issues and he was thorough and very kind. We ended up leaving with some semi-answers (still investigating) but he had also organized tests out of his normal duties as other doctors had failed to do so. I felt listened to, and trusted his opinions. He ran on time also. He does have a long wait, but I definitely recommend him.” 

Meow | Google Review

Royal Adelaide Hospital’s Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy provides comprehensive allergy and immunology services, covering a wide range of conditions such as anaphylaxis, eczema, asthma, and food allergies. 

They do three allergen tests: skin prick, intradermal, and challenge testing. Their allergen immunotherapy options include sublingual and injection immunotherapy. 

Dr. William Smith heads the department. He specialises in adult clinical immunology and allergy for adult patients.

They offer dietary consultations as part of their comprehensive patient care. Plus since it is in a hospital, you get access to emergency services. Doctors are available on call, which is a huge plus for me. 

However, the physical condition of the hospital has been a concern for some patients. Their facility looks old and in need of renovation. Also, their parking fees are very expensive.

Efficient work and thoroughness from doctors and nurses

“Wonderful Immunology department: after spending nearly two months desperately searching for help in receiving an important allergy diagnosis, I was referred to and seen by immunology in such quick time. The doctors and attendees were very efficient, gave a thorough and informative explanation of the testing process and were able to organise testing only a week apart from my consultation. Very grateful for their assistance and friendly conduct.” 

Merryn Cuff| Google Review

Professional people and clean space

“Staff, doctors & nurses are all super professional, caring and helpful. The hospital itself is very clean and properly equipped. You are in safe hands here.” 

Houssain Ghabra | Google Review

Flinders Medical Centre’s Allergy and Clinical Immunology Service offers a multidisciplinary approach. Thus, they have specialised clinics for every concern, from rhinitis to anaphylaxis. They also have separate clinics for adults and children with allergies. 

This structure ensures coordinated care for patients with complex allergic and immunological diseases. However, this approach may confuse patients when navigating services, which can be overwhelming. 

One of the doctors here, Dr. Anthony Smith, has extensive training and experience managing allergic conditions in adults. Aside from him, there are other specialists who attend to adolescents and children. 

I appreciated that their emergency department shows the estimated wait time on their website. It allows prospective patients to see how busy the hospital is and manage expectations. 

However, patients say that the hospital could benefit from renovation since its facilities are outdated.

Excellent medical care

“The doctors and nurses and other staff were amazing. Tests were extensive and thorough.  Nothing was rushed.  The staff were so efficient and nothing was left to chance.  I was incredibly impressed at the service and attention my elderly mother received…” 

gaye twelftree | Google Reviews

Prompt treatment in a comfortable environment 

“…Flinders Medical was prompt with their treatment response and provided a very thorough, friendly and supportive experience for me. They quickly ensured that my pain was controlled as a priority and made me as comfortable as possible despite the additional difficulties that hospitals are experiencing at the moment. All staff were very supportive, helpful and kind making my overall experience very positive.” 

Jazz | Google Review

Dr. Tiffany Hughes is known for her expertise in handling various allergies. She treats anaphylaxis, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and angioedema cases, to name a few. She is also proficient in giving informative interpretations of immunological tests.

Dr. Hughes serves as a senior clinical immunologist at Flinders Medical Centre, a senior lecturer at Flinders University, and the primary allergy specialist at the Malvern Allergy Clinic. 

During my consultation with her, she gave me her undivided attention and crafted a tailored plan. She also explained options in an easy-to-understand manner. Later, during my scheduled follow-up, she listened to how I was doing and even adjusted my diet to help with my allergies.

The only downside is that her Malvern Allergy Clinic is open only on Tuesdays and Fridays. 

Moreover, the patient must pay in full on the day of the appointment. The consultation fee can range from $247.65 to $390.75. However, Medicare will rebate some of the costs, around $142.60 to $249.40.

Outstanding patient care 

“Thoroughly recommend Dr Tiffany Hughes at Malvern allergy! After 6 months with chronic spontaneous urticaria and numerous GPs with no answers I am so grateful to have seen her – a lucky cancellation, worth going on the waiting list. Tiffany listened carefully, she understood my condition with empathy and immediately set about a course of action. Her explanations about the illness and options for treatment (illustrated and colour coded) were comprehensive, easy to follow and specific to my case. Her follow up to testing has been outstanding, she obviously works very hard for her patients and I can’t rate her highly enough.” 

Helen Taylor| Google Review

Puts your concerns at ease 

“Tiffany and the team at Malvern Allergy are awesome. Tiffany as a specialist is very personable, knowledgeable and follows through with her patients. Her approach to my allergies when First diagnosed put my concerns at ease and her understanding manner was very much welcomed. Highly recommended.”

Sarah Bates | Google Review