Dr. Susan P. Raschal, DO in Chattanooga: Adult and Pediatric Allergy Care

Dr. Susan P. Raschal is an osteopathic physician who specializes in allergy and immunology, treating children and adults at her practice in the Chattanooga area. She evaluates allergic conditions through testing, builds treatment plans that typically begin with avoidance and medication, and refers to specialists when immunotherapy becomes necessary.

What Raschal's practice actually does

Raschal works as an independent allergist rather than part of a larger hospital system, which means decisions about your care path rest primarily between her and your primary doctor, without the protocol layers that exist at multispecialty medical centers. She accepts new patients, which is valuable in Chattanooga because allergist availability has tightened in recent years. Her credentials as a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) come with board certification, though the osteopathic credential itself does not determine allergy expertise; her subspecialty certification does.

Diagnostic testing and treatment planning

Initial allergy work typically begins with a history and physical, followed by skin or blood testing to identify triggers. Skin testing, the most common type, takes 15 to 20 minutes and produces results during the visit; blood testing takes longer to return but suits patients who cannot stop antihistamines. Once triggers are identified, Raschal's first-line approach usually involves avoidance counseling and prescription medications (antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, or both). Immunotherapy—allergy shots or sublingual tablets—enters the picture when medication alone falls short or when the patient's condition significantly affects quality of life.

Pricing for allergy testing varies by insurance plan and the extent of testing; confirming your out-of-pocket cost before a visit is essential because even within the same insurer, deductibles and co-pays differ. A single visit typically runs $100–$250 out of pocket for uninsured patients, though this is not fixed and you should contact the office directly for a current estimate.

How Raschal compares to other Chattanooga allergists

Chattanooga's allergy specialist roster is small. Erlanger Health System and Parkridge Medical Center both employ allergists as part of their multispecialty networks; those physicians operate within system protocols and electronic records, which simplifies coordination if you already receive other care through their systems but can mean longer waits for new-patient appointments. An independent practice like Raschal's typically offers shorter booking times but requires you to request your own records if you need coordination with other providers.

If your insurance requires a referral, your primary doctor can direct you to any of these options. Most insurers accept Raschal, though verification by phone is necessary because coverage changes annually. If you've already tried one allergist and need a second opinion on immunotherapy candidacy or treatment timing, an independent practice gives you the clearest line to that decision.

Who suits this practice and who does not

Raschal is well matched for adults and children with seasonal allergies, perennial rhinitis, or mild to moderate asthma with an allergic component, especially if you prefer continuity with one physician rather than rotating providers. New patients without prior allergy testing, or those switching from a previous allergist, fit the typical workflow.

This practice may not suit someone seeking urgent care for an acute allergic reaction; anaphylaxis requires an ER. Patients enrolled exclusively in managed-care plans with no out-of-network benefits should confirm eligibility before booking. Those seeking experimental or cutting-edge immunotherapy protocols might need to inquire whether Raschal participates in clinical trials, as practices of her size sometimes do not.

First visit structure

Expect to complete a detailed intake form documenting symptom timing, triggers, medication history, and family allergy background. The physician visit includes questions about your environment (pets, bedding, air filtration), work or school exposure, and impact on sleep or daily function. If testing proceeds that day, skin testing itself is painless; the reading takes place after 15 minutes of waiting. You leave with results, a preliminary treatment plan, and a prescription if medication is the next step. Immunotherapy scheduling, if discussed, typically happens at a follow-up appointment once testing confirms suitability.

Hours, location, and parking

The practice operates in an outpatient medical office setting in Chattanooga; calling ahead to confirm current hours is wise, as medical practices adjust seasonally and for holidays. Street or lot parking is typically available at independent medical offices, though specific accessibility features should be confirmed by phone.

Dr. Raschal's practice fills a niche in Chattanooga's allergy landscape: independent, new-patient-friendly, and structured for straightforward diagnostic and medical management work that does not require hospital admission or emergency procedures.