FAQ | Cough Care Center of San Antonio

Question 1

Where do I begin my evaluation?

Accepted Answer

The initial medical evaluation for a chronic cough begins at Alamo Allergy, the office of Drs. Michael and Adrianne Vaughn at (210) 499-0033. Located at 115 Gallery Circle, Ste. 200, San Antonio TX 78258. For more information visit www.AlamoAllergy.com

Question 2

Do I need a referral to be seen?

Accepted Answer

If your insurance is an HMO, a referral may be needed. Contact your PCP to confirm that both Michael P. Vaughn MD and James H. Atkins MD are in-network and request referrals to both physicians. If you have PPO insurance, call the customer service number on your insurance card to verify that both providers are in-network. Call Alamo Allergy (210) 499-0033 to schedule your initial evaluation. You can contact Atkins Expert Sinus Care at (210) 60-SINUS (www.AtkinsSinus.com)

Question 3

How long does a chronic cough evaluation take?

Accepted Answer

Because a chronic cough is almost never caused by a single problem, a thorough evaluation may involve more than one visit to Alamo Allergy and Atkins Expert Sinus Care. At your initial evaluation (at Alamo Allergy) we will help map out your full diagnostic pathway and timeline.

Question 4

Are all services available in one office?

Accepted Answer

No — the Cough Care Center of San Antonio is a collaborative network of independent specialists, each located in a different part of San Antonio. Dr. Michael Vaughn's practice, Alamo Allergy, is located in the Stone Oak Medical Center area near North Central Baptist Hospital. Dr. James Atkins' practice, Atkins Expert Sinus Care, is located near the La Cantera Mall at the intersection of I-10 and the North Loop of Rt. 1604, near the Spurs Practice Arena (the Rock at La Cantera). This multi-office model allows each specialist to use their own dedicated equipment and expertise, ensuring a more thorough evaluation than any single office could provide.

Question 5

What types of medical professionals work through the Cough Care Center of San Antonio?

Accepted Answer

The Physicians and PAs associated with the Cough Care Center of San Antonio are independent medical professionals who each have their own practice location. However, the unique association between the Doctors provides you with a thorough and coordinated evaluation to determine each and every underlying factor contributing to your cough.

Question 6

Who is Dr. Michael Vaughn?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Michael P. Vaughn PhD.MD is a board-certified Allergist/Immunologist and the founding physician of Alamo Allergy. He leads the initial chronic cough evaluation and coordinates care across the Cough Care Center network. His practice is located in the Stone Oak Medical Center area near North Central Baptist Hospital.

Question 7

Who is Dr. James Atkins?

Accepted Answer

Dr. James H. Atkins MD is a board-certified ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) specialist and the founder of Atkins Expert Sinus Care. He provides advanced sinus evaluation, Rhinolaryngoscopy, Sinus CAT scans, and surgical options such as Balloon Sinuplasty. His practice is located near the La Cantera Mall at I-10 and the North Loop of Rt. 1604.

Question 8

What types of diagnostic testing do you offer?

Accepted Answer

The collaborating physicians offer a wide range of diagnostic testing. At Alamo Allergy: Pulmonary Function Testing (PFTs) and no-needles allergy skin testing. If needed, Chest X-ray and Reflux evaluations (by Barium Swallow) are requested from STRIC Radiology. Sinus CAT scans and throat/vocal cord visual examinations (Rhinolaryngoscopy) are performed at Atkins Expert Sinus Care.

Question 9

What treatments are offered?

Accepted Answer

The Cough Care Center offers treatments specifically tailored to each individual's needs, including allergy and asthma management, reflux treatment, sinusitis treatments, and immune system tune-ups with appropriate vaccinations when needed. Surgical interventions such as Balloon Sinuplasty may also be performed at Atkins Expert Sinus Care when indicated.

Question 10

What is cough-variant asthma and how is it diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Cough-variant asthma is a form of mild asthma that causes a chronic cough without the classic wheezing symptom. It is diagnosed using Pulmonary Function Testing (PFTs) with a bronchodilator (albuterol). If airflow improves by more than 15% following albuterol use, asthma can be confirmed. In some cases, a trial of a corticosteroid inhaler may also be used to confirm the diagnosis by reducing airway inflammation and improving the cough.

Question 11

Can acid reflux really cause a chronic cough?

Accepted Answer

Yes — silent acid reflux (also called LPR or laryngopharyngeal reflux) is one of the most commonly missed causes of chronic cough. Unlike typical heartburn, silent reflux may cause no burning sensation at all, only a persistent cough. If reflux is not identified and treated, other treatments for cough will often fail to provide lasting relief.

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