Martha Tarpay MD in Oklahoma City: Allergy Testing and Treatment in Northwest OKC

Martha Tarpay MD operates a private allergy practice in northwest Oklahoma City, offering diagnostic testing, immunotherapy, and management of environmental, seasonal, and food allergies for both adults and children.

What the practice actually is

Tarpay's practice is a small, independent allergist office focused on identification and long-term treatment of allergic conditions rather than emergency or acute care. The practice sits outside the major health systems in Oklahoma City, operating as a self-contained clinic where patients typically see Dr. Tarpay directly. The office handles conditions including pollen allergies, dust mite sensitivities, pet allergies, asthma triggered by allergens, and food allergies. It is not a dermatology practice despite offering skin testing.

Services and allergy testing approach

The practice centers on skin testing (scratch or intradermal testing) to identify specific allergens, followed by treatment recommendations. Skin testing typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and produces results in that same visit; tests reveal which environmental, seasonal, or food allergens trigger symptoms. After testing, Dr. Tarpay discusses medication options (antihistamines, nasal steroids, decongestants) or offers immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy comes in two forms. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) involves weekly injections during a build-up phase, then monthly maintenance visits for three to five years. Sublingual immunotherapy (tablets placed under the tongue) is an alternative some patients prefer to avoid needles, though it is less commonly used for environmental allergies than shots. Pricing for allergy shots typically ranges from $50 to $150 per visit depending on the allergen extract used and insurance coverage; confirm current rates when scheduling. Sublingual tablets cost more upfront but eliminate the injection burden.

The practice accepts most major insurance plans. Patients should verify coverage before the first visit, as copays and deductibles vary by plan. Uninsured patients should ask about cash rates when scheduling.

How Tarpay compares to other Oklahoma City allergists

Oklahoma City has several allergy practices. Allergy Associates of Oklahoma, part of a larger regional group, operates multiple locations across the metro area and may offer shorter appointment wait times due to staffing scale. Physicians Regional Allergy & Asthma, another established multi-location practice, similarly has higher appointment availability. Tarpay's independent model means longer lead times for new patients (typically 2 to 4 weeks) but direct access to the same physician at every visit, which some patients prefer for continuity. If speed of the first appointment is the priority, larger group practices are more likely to have openings within days. If you value consistency with one doctor, Tarpay's smaller setup suits that better.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

Tarpay is well-suited for adults and children with confirmed or suspected environmental and seasonal allergies seeking long-term immunotherapy. The practice works well for patients comfortable with a small-office setting and willing to wait for appointments. It is less suited for walk-in acute allergy flare-ups or patients needing immediate steroid injections for anaphylaxis (those require an emergency room). It also does not handle complex food allergy management with oral immunotherapy, a specialized protocol available at larger academic centers like OU Health.

What a first visit involves

At the initial appointment, Dr. Tarpay takes a detailed allergy and medical history, noting symptom timing, triggers, and any prior treatments. Skin testing follows immediately if indicated. The process involves pricking the forearm or back with a small amount of allergen extract and waiting 15 minutes for a reaction (a raised bump or welt indicates sensitivity). Results are visible the same day. A follow-up discussion covers whether immunotherapy is recommended, which form fits the patient's preference and timeline, and what to expect during treatment.

Hours, location, and logistics

Tarpay's office is located in northwest Oklahoma City. Specific street address and current hours should be confirmed by calling or checking the practice website, as these details change occasionally. The office is a standard outpatient clinic with standard parking. Allergy shots require a 30-minute observation window after injection to monitor for delayed reactions, so plan accordingly for maintenance appointments.

Martha Tarpay MD serves as the direct allergist for patients seeking hands-on, individualized allergy management without system-wide bureaucracy, making it a practical choice for OKC residents committed to long-term immunotherapy or those who prefer a single doctor model.