Finding local help for a child with severe allergies

ADRIEN BONG :: Medicaid member, Fresno, California

DR. WILLIAM EBBELING :: Immunology specialist, Fresno, California

Adrien’s family was eager to have him evaluated by a local specialist, in order to minimize the boy’s travel time and further exposure to irritants.

Dr. William Ebbeling is one of the few allergists in Fresno who is certified both by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Ebbeling does not usually treat Medicaid patients, however, so Anthem Blue Cross arranged for him to be brought into its network to work with unique patients such as Adrien.

“There was a new substance on the market that had a very high potential for helping Adrien,” Dr. Ebbeling said. “So we went through the whole process of getting approval for the treatment. Within weeks, he was back to normal. The insurance company, the case managers, and the physician all worked together. It’s that kind of good relationship that works to the benefit of the patient.”

Dr. Ebbeling started his practice in Fresno after a distinguished 27-year military career, which included heading the Allergy/Immunology Division at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda from 1989 to 1993, during which he was the U.S. Navy allergy consultant to the White House for President George H.W. Bush.

 

TOP / BACK