Ep. 130: How Telemedicine Improves Access to Care for Food Allergies
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank Genentech for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 130:
Seeing your allergist on a screen instead of in the office might feel strange at first, but for many people with allergies, telehealth isn’t just convenient. it’s effective.
In this episode, we sit down with telemedicine pioneer Dr. Jay Portnoy to explore how virtual allergy care works, what it can and can’t do, and how it’s helping patients get the care they need without the wait or the long drive.
Dr. Portnoy shares over two decades of experience leading allergy telemedicine programs in rural areas and explains how remote care has grown from a fringe idea into a standard part of allergy care. He and Dr. G also discuss the benefits for both patients and clinicians.
So how do you know when telehealth is enough and when it’s not?
What we cover in our episode about virtual allergy care and telemedicine:
How does telemedicine work for allergy patients? Learn how video visits and asynchronous tools are making care faster and easier, especially in rural or underserved areas.
Telemendine limitations. We break down when in-person care is still needed, like for food challenges, skin tests, or urgent symptoms.
Privacy and safety in virtual care. From HIPAA-compliant platforms to quiet spaces at home or in schools, we talk about how to keep your virtual visit just as private as a clinic one.
How testing works with telemedicine. Telehealth doesn’t mean skipping tests. Many can be ordered remotely and done at a local lab or clinic near you.
The future of allergy care. Hear how virtual care is shifting toward patient choice, whether you want to video call, send a message, or still come in.About
About Telemedicine Expert, Dr. Portnoy
Dr. Jay Portnoy is a board-certified allergist and immunologist at Children’s Mercy Kansas City and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. He is a pioneer in telemedicine and has been instrumental in expanding access to allergy care in rural communities. Dr. Portnoy is a past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) and has authored numerous publications on allergy, asthma, and healthcare delivery. He currently serves as the Medical Director of Telemedicine at Children’s Mercy.
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Timestamps
Our episode explores how to telemedicine makes food alelrgy management easier for patients
00:57 Dr. Portnoy on starting telehealth
05:07 COVID’s impact on telemedicine
06:41 What’s missed without in-person visits?
11:03 Asynchronous care explained
14:05 Clinic benefits of telehealth
18:16 Licensing barriers
20:35 How privacy is protected
23:12 Privacy in telehealth
25:31 Physical exams via telehealth
28:09 Labs and facilitated visits
32:02 The future of telemedicine
