Deductibles vs. Copays: What's the Difference?

Understanding deductibles and copays is the first step to saving the most money with your insurance plan, especially at the end of the year. 

• Deductible

This is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance starts paying more of your healthcare expenses. Once you hit your deductible (e.g., $1,000), your insurance covers a larger portion of your medical bills. Keep in mind that your deductible resets each year.



• Copay

A copay is a fixed amount you pay for a healthcare service, like paying $20 for a doctor’s visit. You pay this amount even after your deductible is met. 

Why Allergy Testing is a Smart Year-End Investment

If you usually deal with sneezing, itching, or sinus pressure after the colder months, the end of the year is the perfect time to get ahead of your allergies. Here’s why:

• Get a Head Start on Spring Allergies

By testing ahead of time, you can start treatments (like immunotherapy) well before pollen season, giving your body time to adjust and plan early for better symptom control. 

• Take Advantage of Convenient Appointment Times

With fewer people booking appointments over the holidays, clinics often have more open time slots, making it easier to find a convenient time that fits your schedule. 

• Use Holiday Downtime for Your Health

Schedule an allergy test during your holiday break without having to rearrange your routine or disrupt work or school.

If you’ve been putting off allergy testing or other health checks, it’s time to start the next year strong while making the most of your insurance plan.

Financial Benefits of Year-End Allergy Testing

The end of the year is a great opportunity to take medical tests, especially if you’ve met your deductible or still have funds in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).

Here are the financial benefits of year-end allergy testing that you should know: 

• Leverage met deductibles. If you’ve already met your deductible, you could pay little to nothing out of pocket—just copay in some cases. 

• Maximize FSA or HSA funds. FSA and HSA funds often expire at the end of the year. Allergy testing qualifies as a medical expense, so why not use your remaining balance to cover your test?

• Avoid cost increases in the new year. Insurance premiums and copays often go up in January. By scheduling now, you can lock in this year’s rates and avoid potentially higher costs for the same tests. 

How to Know You've Met Your Deductible

If you’re wondering whether or not you’ve met your deductible, you should:

• Check with your insurance. You can call or log into your insurance provider’s portal to see your current balance.
• Review medical statements. Your insurance provider sends out an explanation of benefits (EOB) whenever you receive medical care. This document shows the breakdown of your benefits and what you’ve paid toward your deductible. 
• Ask us. When you book a visit at Apex Allergy and Asthma, we can help track your deductible progress with your insurance before your appointment. 

How to Know You’ve Reached Your Out-of-Pocket Maximum

Once you’ve met your deductible, you’ll start paying less for medical services, but you might still need to reach your out-of-pocket maximum before your insurance covers everything. Here’s how to keep track:

• Check your insurance portal. Your provider’s app or website will show your out-of-pocket spending and how much more you need to reach the maximum.
• Review EOBs. These statements give you a breakdown of the payments you made for out-of-pocket costs. 

Tip: When you receive your EOB, it’s wise to keep it in your records as it provides details about your medical procedures. If you experience any type of confusion or mistakes, you can prove it with your EOB form. 



• Contact us. We are always willing to help you track your costs and clarify your balance so you can plan for your allergy testing. 

From Deductibles to Relief: The Year-End Advantage in Allergy Testing

To better understand how you can save big with year-end testing, let’s take a look at the case of 32-year-old Monica. 



Monica has been dealing with nagging seasonal allergies for years. This November, she realized she’d met her deductible and that her FSA funds were still unspent. 

She scheduled an allergy test before the new year and only paid a small copay. With her test results in hand, Monica started immunotherapy just in time to ease her symptoms before spring. 

Instead of waiting until her allergies hit, she’s prepared and ready—all while keeping extra cash in her pocket.

You can experience the same success story when you contact Apex Allergy & Asthma for comprehensive allergy testing. Give us a call today, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions about our allergy testing costs. 

Types of Allergy Tests and How They Help

Now that you understand the benefits of year-end allergy testing let’s explore the different types of tests available and how they can help you find relief from your symptoms.

Skin Prick Test

It is one of the most common and quickest ways to identify allergens. In this test, an allergy expert puts a tiny amount of allergen onto the skin. It’s quick, with minimal discomfort, and results are easily available in about 15–20 minutes. It can detect allergies to:

• Mold
• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Dust mites
• Certain foods or insect venoms

Blood Test (IgE) 

This test measures your body’s response to allergens by looking for specific antibodies (IgE) in your blood. It’s used when skin testing isn’t an option. Some of the allergens it can detect include:

• Pollen
• Food allergies
• Animal dander
• Environmental triggers

Patch Testing & Specialized Tests

Patch testing is conducted for allergies like skin contact reactions by applying allergens to your skin for up to 48 hours. Other tests might include lung function tests or oral food challenges

depending on your symptoms.

At Apex Allergy and Asthma, we understand that everyone’s allergy experience differs. That’s why we take the time to evaluate your symptoms and medical history to guide you toward the best testing options. 

Aside from inquiring which test is right for you, you might also have a few questions, such as, “Is allergy testing covered by insurance?” The answer: It depends on your insurance provider and the type of insurance policy you have. If you plan to take an allergy test, it is best to raise this concern with your provider as soon as possible. 

Don't Miss Out on Your Year-End Benefits

Don’t let your hard-earned insurance benefits go to waste! By acting now, you can gain essential insights into your health, tackle allergies head-on, and kick off the new year feeling your best. 

Contact us at 210-490-2051 to schedule your year-end appointment with our double board-certified allergist, Dr. Mark Stahl. We’ll make sure you maximize your coverage and set you up with a clear, personalized plan to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

Ready to take charge of your allergies? Let’s start your journey to a healthier, more comfortable year ahead!

End the Year Free From Allergies