My child and I have been coming to Columbia Allergy for a while. I have been getting allergy shots for environmental allergies (think pollen/dander/mold/dust mites) and my child is doing food allergy desensitization therapy. All my life, I have suffered from severe allergies and I thought it was just something that I had to deal with. This is until I came to an allergist who introduced me to the amazing concept of allergy immunotherapy. It has changed my life! And I don't say that lightly. For most of my life, I dreaded half the year. As someone who loves to be outside, that's a horrible thought. But I would just take a lot of allergy meds and suck it up. I am now a few years into allergy shots (yes, it takes years) and my life has changed. I don't feel pollen anymore, and previously, it was debilitating. I am now such a huge advocate of allergy shots -- I'll tell anyone who will listen. Columbia Allergy is also great with kids. They're always happy to see my rather loud kids and are great with giving them shots or the food desensitization. They're super careful with reactions when it comes to severe allergies, which I really appreciate. But I can now see a future where I don't carry an epipen around wherever I go. read more

First of all they closed this office and are now on Market St. But main thing is lack of communication and respect for patients. They were closed today but we didn't find out till we got there - no notice to patients, no phone message. Don't waste your time. read more

Pros: The actual clinical experience was excellent. I went to get allergy testing in August 2021, and it was awesome. The nurses and doctors were kind and efficient. I was looking forward to receiving allergy shots / asthma treatment here. Cons: For over a year now, I've been seeking to receive a refund for the vials that I paid for and never received/got to use. What should have been a simple transfer of care from one city to another turned into a six-month radio silence. I left calm, professional voicemails (dozens), wrote in two of the website's portals, and sent in letters - all to no avail. Radio silence, save for one email with the information needed to transfer records and one short voicemail saying that, because I signed a consent form, I am not eligible for a refund. As a result, I lost nearly $1K. I can't speak for the other branches, of course, but the Oakland branch does not prioritize communication with its patients. (Fascinating, though, that someone called me in a timely manner when it was time to pay for the vials.) Since there's been no attempt at resolution from Columbia Allergy (Oakland), I've filed a complaint with the BBB and plan to file with other consumer advocacy agencies. This is my first time doing this, as it should be reserved for the most egregious cases. Unfortunately, this more than qualifies. And, based on some of the reviews, others are in a similar situation. Recommendation: I cannot in good conscious recommend this business due to the extreme negligence in communication of any kind -- ESPECIALLY for services like allergy shots, where you're interacting with a business for months or years. Please consider literally any other allergist for your needs. read more

For what its worth the staff is friendly. But everything else about my experience here is AWFUL and I would HIGHLY recommend staying away. You can see the trend from all these reviews but they are very sketchy with their billing. They let me switch from single allergy shots to cluster shots without telling me I'd owe $500 per visit instead of ~$3 per visit! When I called to complain, the billing department just gaslit me about it not being up to them when they're clearly the one setting the price and never mentioned that HUGE increase in cost. If you must come here, avoid cluster shots at all costs. It also took around 6 months to even get a call back from billing, and most of the time you call the office they just don't pick up... Avoid at all costs! read more

This practice is so unprofessional and the staff are just not knowledgeable. Furthermore it's impossible to get in touch with them. The allergy clinic had closed for like a month in between and you were just stuck - you couldn't get in touch with the office to reschedule an appointment or get arrangements to have your shots elsewhere because the office would need to send your shot records and vials over to some other clinic to continue your treatment. read more

Something is definitely going on with this location and it would be nice if they would contact us with some updates or information. They've cancelled all my appointments for my shots with no explanation and are not answering any calls. read more

Judi Lau, the RN at Columbia Allergies/Oakland, continues to give me friendly, outstanding service and quality time. Judi has worked to make sure my prescription for Nucala is updated yearly to ensure no lapse in prescription. I always feel better after getting an email from her. Judi's followups always address my many questions and concerns. thank you, Judi leslie hatanaka read more

Terrible experience. Avoid this location if possible. We wish we read the many bad reviews before signing up with this clinic. On days when our appointment goes well, things are fine. But so often, the clinic is terrible at communication. Multiple times we arrived only to be told no one is available to administer the shots. They never contact us to tell us this and phone calls often go unanswered when we call. The billing department is even worse: it's been over a year and we still don't know the cost of things. No one can seem to give us any answers. They never call back despite claiming they will. read more

Absolutely terrible quality of care and service. They do not answer the phone. They told me I had to rush to get bloodwork, go off necessary meds to do it, causing suffering, only to get to bloodwork to find they did not send the order even though I verified every time with them that they did and they confirmed. They do not answer the phone so could not fax it in nor make it right. Separately, they put me on unnecessary meds (antibiotics) that confused all of my other doctors who said that med could actually do more harm than good. They also told me I could schedule a few tests during one appointment, only to find they were forcing me to make 4 separate appointments. I have had to wait for months and haven't gotten the care that I need, in fact they did harm. Now I have to start all over and go somewhere else. Wish I checked all the terrible reviews before booking with them. I know for next time. read more

I usually don't write reviews but I am taking the time to write one here, if I could give less than one star I would. We were receiving treatment at this clinic for both of my kids who have life threatening allergies.. Then the office suddenly closed and we did not get a heads up or any alternatives on following up for treatment. I thought Dr Jain was first class Doctor but the way this clinic has handled my kids treatment is way below first class. So disappointed. read more

Overly complex appointment scheduling and communication methods. It is very evident to me that this staff lacks experience and ability.

Adding to the similar comments already... they told me it would be $300 upfront for a basic evaluation (skin prick test)... I decided not to start a treatment, then months later I received a bill for an additional $300. I'm very annoyed and frustrated at this bait and switch Furthermore, their communication and patient information is awful. Staff did not understand details of the treatments when I asked, there's no written material to compare treatments and costs, and they are nearly impossible to reach by phone. read more

I just received a call from their billing department saying I owed them a lot of money for a formula they went ahead and made without my consent. And they tried to say I did consent to it just to gauge money from me. Beware. This sent me into a panic attack as I have 0 money for this at the moment which I had told them when they followed up with me, and had assured me no formula would be made until I had consented. WHICH I DID NOT. Don't go here it's a scam. read more

My stepmother has a severe case of allergic reaction to bee venom. She was stung by a bee over a year ago. Minutes after she was stung, she went into anaphylactic shock so we immediately called 911. If the paramedics would have arrived any later than they did, she could have died. She was treated at the hospital, prescribed epi-pens and discharged the following day. Knowing the severity of my stepmother's reaction to bee stings, we immediately began searching for clinics that could help her with her unique case. We found a promising one but was given the run around for months. The severity of my stepmother's case was beyond the scope of that particular doctor's knowledge. After months of going back and fourth with that clinic, with overwhelming feelings of frustration and defeat, they finally referred us over to Dr. Jain @ Columbia Asthma & Allergy Clinic. During our office visit with Columbia Asthma & Allergy Clinic, we met with nurse Judi and we explained my stepmother's whole situation to her. Judi was very attentive and proactive in figuring out a plan to treat my stepmom. Judi, goes above and beyond to make sure she's well cared for. She always informative and thorough in explaining everything. Judi warned and prepared us for the long road ahead in getting her treated. As of today, my stepmother's treatment is still on-going. Because of the prescribed treatments, week by week, my stepmother's body is is responding better. With the help of Judi, Dr. Jain, and the staff over at Columbia Asthma & Allergy Clinic, we can't wait until the day my stepmom is completely treated. If anyone has asthma or allergy related issues, I would highly recommend that they seek the professional advice and treatment from Columbia Asthma & Allergy Clinic. I would definitely ask for the assistance of nurse Judi. The level of knowledge, experience, and care that Judi, Dr. Jain, and all of the staff over at Columbia Asthma & Allergy Clinic is unparalleled. read more

They seem to have gone out of business. I desperately need my shots and no one picks up the phone at any of the locations in or out of state. My last weekly appt weeks ago was confirmed the night before but after driving there,I found the doors locked and a sign, "Temporarily Closed." Two other patients standing outside were as dismayed as I. Calls and Klara texts remain unanswered. Not sure what to do. Please respond if you have heard anything or know of an alternative in Oakland or San Leandro, CA. They've been my go- to for years. read more

For my entire life I have been suffering from various allergies which affected my mood, sleep, work, relationships and daily activities considerably. I have been let down by many previous treatments over the years and was ready to accept my miserable fate... Alas the stars aligned as I reached the depths of my slump when I came across Columbia Asthma & Allergy! All of the staff from front desk Renita to all the techs, my PA Melissa, Dr. Yan and my nurse Judi were so friendly to me and patiently answered my nunerous questions. It was the first time I felt welcome in a doctor's office! Judi even went above and beyond to make sure I was authorized to get my medication in a timely manner... 2 weeks later I am looking and feeling like a million bucks! Highly recommend! read more

We couldn't be happier with Columbia Asthma and Allergy. Our son (2 years old at the time) had life-threatening allergies to nuts and sunflower seeds. The smallest amount of nuts/sunflower seeds would result in a trip to the ER. Then we discovered CAAC. Now, after less than six months of OIT, he regularly eats both without any issues. The look on his face when he is able to eat peanut m&ms with other kids is priceless. The staff here always made him feel comfortable and have been super patient with our endless questions. Special thanks to Judi for always going the extra mile to make certain we were well taken care of. I wish everyone knew about the amazing life-changing treatment that this place has to offer. CAAC and all of their staff deserve ten stars! read more

I thank the staff at Columbia Asthma & Alergy clinic for helping me deal with my alergies to dust and other particules. They were vary patient and explained everything thoroughly to me. The doctor that attended me (forgot to ask her what her name is), she taught me how to take my Asthma medicine the right way. I am blind, and I can say that the staff at this clinic are vary helpfull to me. Thanks. Please pay them a visit, you won't regret it. read more

If you or a loved one has food allergies and am considering OIT (oral immunotherapy) or SLIT (sublingual therapy), schedule an appointment here NOW. You will not regret it and you'll wonder why you didn't come here sooner. My son Zachy (now 5, was 4 when he first started) was allergic to milk, eggs, peanuts, and a whole slew of other allergens. We were consulting with the pediatric allergy center at UCSF at the time and they advised for strict avoidance. It was doable but it wasn't easy, and there definitely were some scary moments when we were eating out and a dish had something we were told that didn't and we'd find out the hard way. And there were also some heart breaking moments watching Zachy watch other kids eat things he couldn't (birthday cake, cupcakes, etc). My wife was determined to do something about it and discovered OIT. As she learned more about it, we learned that UCSF offered OIT but only for those extremely allergic to peanuts (which Zachy was not) as part of a clinical experiment (since it's not FDA approved). Rats. My wife undeterred then found a clinic near us that offered it, enter Columbia Asthma & Allergy Clinic in Oakland. I came into the whole process pretty skeptical upon learning how it would exactly go down (he just eats a little bit every week and that's it?). It didn't make sense, that's so simple, why isn't everyone else doing this? Well, it's that simple. And it WORKS. Zachy started out with SLIT for eggs, milk, and peanuts in Aug, we got as far as we could and transitioned over to OIT in Oct. By Feb of the following year (a total 6 months), Zachy graduated OIT and went from throwing up after eating crumbs from a muffin (baked egg) to eating pretty much a whole egg, drinking 120 ml of milk, and 4g of peanuts daily. And now 8 months after graduating, he's eating birthday cakes, cookies, ice cream, eggs benedict, donuts, and all the other good stuff (in moderation of course). And life is awesome. Just like the staff that took wonderful care of Zachy throughout the whole process. We were there every friday morning and Columbia became like a 2nd home. Celine and Susana would take his blood pressure and oxygen levels. Judi and Leanne would come with the doses. Melissa would make sure everything was ok and was extremely accommodating to the up-dose schedule (only want to up-dose peanut/egg? sure, slow down up-dose schedule for milk? no problem). And Reneta made scheduling all our appointments so easy. The whole process was so easy and everyone there is not only professional but caring as well (bringing in toys for him to play with or have fun stickers he could take home), making Zachy as happy and comfortable as possible so that these appointments were something he looked forward to. I'm forever grateful for the staff here and highly recommend any one and everyone to schedule a visit for any OIT/SLIT related matters. read more

We have had a wonderful experience at CAA's Oakland office. My almost 5 year old is doing OIT for her nut allergies. We have had a smooth experience and the staff are truly amazing... Judi, Leanne, Celline, Reneta, Susana, and Melissa are top notch. They are attentive, kind, and great with kids. Very knowledgable with food allergies and they can customize the plan for every person. They have a large play room so my girls enjoy coming to the office and that's appreciated with the long appointments. I highly recommend this office for any allergy issues (pediatric and adult)!! read more

I have been getting allergy shots at Columbia Allergy in Oakland for a few months. I find all of the staff to be very professional, friendly and helpful. So far, so good. I tried allergy shots before but broke out in giant hives and had to stop. But in this clinic they proceed very slowly and carefully so I am happy to say that my allergies are improving even though I am not at my maintenance dose yet. It feels like being part of a big allergic family in the clinic, lol. My only suggestion for improvement is for them to have a better phone system that allows for communication. it is still difficult to reach them and messages often don't get relayed. However, they are very flexible about timing of your shot appointments. The receptionist, Renita, works very hard as does Liz, my nurse, and all of the staff. I highly recommend them! read more

Dr. Jain has helped us successfully navigate desensitization to multiple food allergens. His nurse, Judi, is incredibly caring and compassionate. She has gone above and beyond on several occasions to ensure our family has what we need. Dr. Jain is an exceptional clinician, and his approach is thoughtful and based on solid science, read more