Our Departments

FACILITY TOUR

RESEARCH DEPARTMENT

Amarillo Center for Clinical Research (ACCR)

Following his participation in clinical trials throughout his academic and public medicine career, Dr. Saadeh wanted to continue his role in studying promising new treatments for his patients when he transitioned to private practice. He launched ACCR in the fall of 2001 in pursuit of that goal. Since then, his research department has participated in studies that eventually culminated in many of the rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, asthma, osteoarthritis, allergic rhinitis, pain, and many other conditions having safe, FDA approved, new medicines. He sponsored education for the staff. They became Certified Clinical Research Professionals through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). His participation contributed to the FDA approval of many innovative new treatments. He assisted in bringing choice, competition, and successful outcomes to his patients and sufferers across the world.

ALLERGY TESTING & FORMULATION OF PATIENT ALLERGY SERUMS

Dr. Saadeh oversees airborne and food allergy testing according to standards suggested by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI). Such an approach is only taken by those in his specialty. The National Institutes of Health hold AAAAI guidelines as the “gold standard” in treating allergic complaints. The outcomes for those who seek treatment from actual allergy/immunology trained physicians are more likely to achieve favorable results. At Allergy A.R.T.S., your allergy serum is completely based upon your unique, testing results. Allergy A.R.T.S. serums are specific to every patient, and based upon the results of yours, or your loved one’s test. The serums our patients receive are mixed under stringent quality control standards that exceed minimum requirements mandated by the AAAAI.

LABORATORY

Dr. Saadeh has invested in bringing state of the art equipment and the lab specialists involved in using the results accurately to the Amarillo area. Although only part of the puzzle in making an accurate diagnosis, those results are critical in forming an appropriate treatment plan. Dr. Saadeh’s lab undergoes the same scrutiny all hospital labs and national central labs sustain through credentialing. The lab at Allergy A.R.T.S. provides the only autoimmune and allergy diagnostic in the panhandle and south plains of Texas. His lab meets requirements, and frequently, receives commendations for exceeding standards from both the Commission Office for Laboratory Accreditation (COLA) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA).

CLINICAL FACILITIES

√ The west clinic wing is named in memory of Heather Alonzo. Note that a convenient drive-up portico protects patients from the weather when loading and unloading.

√ The west clinic waiting room is filled with natural light and provides comfortable seating especially designed for those with physical challenges.

√ Patient exam rooms are specially designed for the patient’s comfort and for overall efficiency and ease of professional services.

√ The infusion suite is continuously monitored, and carefully designed with the patient’s comfort in mind. Soothing colors and artwork ease the time spent in treatment.

IMAGING DEPARTMENT

Dr. Saadeh’s interest in the use of ultrasound in his practice of rheumatology began well before it became more utilized by rheumatologists. He sought initial training in Italy since availability of training for musculoskeletal use in the United States was sparse in those days. He has subsequently worked with thought leaders and clinicians around the country. Allergy A.R.T.S. was the fourth facility in the United States to attain accreditation through the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine for this specialty—just behind Mayo Clinic in Rochester at third. Dr. Saadeh is also a part of the editorial board for the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. He uses the tool both diagnostically, and to guide intervention. Through its use he can detect early inflammatory processes prior to x-ray imaging. When patients require injections for musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, the use of ultrasound brings many advantages: avoiding nerve damage, minimizing injection pain, and improved accuracy.

Dr. Saadeh’s radiology technicians are also trained and certified in performing bone densitometry.

Traditional digital X-ray imaging has its place in the practice of rheumatology and allergy/immunology. State of the art equipment operated by licensed radiology technicians is also available at Allergy A.R.T.S.

PULMONARY LAB

Advanced respiratory diagnostics are also a hallmark of Allergy A.R.T.S. Through the use of tests called impulse oscillometry spirometry (IOS), our providers can accurately diagnosis pulmonary conditions that traditional spirometry may miss. IOS works by using sound waves so a patient breathes normally during the test rather than blowing hard. These tests measure both reactance and resistance within the airways. By conducting baseline testing on a new patient and repeating tests following the implementation of a treatment plan, our providers can measure success of the treatment objectively. Body plethysmography, or “body box” as it is commonly called allows for extremely specific testing with barometric pressures maintained in a controlled setting. Methacholine challenge testing and NIOX testing are other specific tests that can assist in making more difficult diagnoses.

INFUSION SERVICES

Since some autoimmune diseases require I.V. delivery of medications, Dr. Saadeh has a professionally staffed infusion department. The nursing services staff attending to patients receiving those treatments go through training with clinical liaisons from manufacturers of each medication.