Description

Top 10 Immunologists in Los Angeles for Allergy & Immunity Issues

Living with persistent allergies, unexplained immune problems, recurring infections, asthma, food reactions, or chronic skin symptoms can be frustrating. Many people search for an immunologist in Los Angeles after trying general treatments without getting a clear explanation for why their symptoms keep returning.
Los Angeles is home to several major academic medical centers and specialty clinics with board-certified allergy and immunology physicians. These specialists can evaluate conditions ranging from seasonal allergies and asthma to food and drug allergies, eczema, immune deficiencies, recurrent infections, and other immune-system disorders.
Choosing the right specialist, however, is not simply about finding the doctor with the highest online rating. The best fit depends on your symptoms, age, diagnosis, treatment needs, insurance, location, and whether you need allergy testing, immunotherapy, food challenges, or specialized immune-deficiency care.
In this guide, we highlight 10 immunologists and allergy specialists in Los Angeles and nearby communities who may be worth considering. You will learn about their specialties, services, locations, contact information, and the types of patients they may be particularly suited to treat.
Important: This is an informational guide, not a medical ranking or endorsement. The order does not indicate that one physician is medically superior to another. Always verify credentials, availability, insurance coverage, and suitability for your individual condition.

 

1. Manish Butte, MD, PhD – UCLA Health

Overview
Manish J. Butte, MD, PhD is a prominent immunology specialist at UCLA Health and serves as Chief of the Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology. His clinical and research work includes immune deficiencies, recurrent infections, genetic immune disorders, and rare autoimmune conditions. UCLA lists him among its specialists providing immunology care for both children and adults.
For patients whose concerns go beyond straightforward seasonal allergies, a specialist with a strong immunology focus can be particularly relevant.
Services Offered
* Evaluation of primary immune deficiencies
* Assessment of recurrent or frequent infections
* Genetic diagnosis of immune deficiencies
* Immune globulin replacement for appropriate patients
* Evaluation of rare autoimmune diseases
* Care involving severe and complex immune disorders
* Specialized evaluation of unusual immune-system problems
UCLA also identifies immune deficiency and genetic disorders among Dr. Butte's areas of focus.
Why Choose Him?
Dr. Butte combines clinical immunology with extensive research experience. His background includes a PhD in biophysics, pediatric residency training, allergy and immunology fellowship training, and research at Harvard.
He may be particularly relevant for patients seeking a Los Angeles immunologist for immune deficiency, recurrent infections, or rare immune disorders.
Location
UCLA Health, Westwood/Los Angeles
10833 Le Conte Avenue, MDCC Building, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Website
UCLA Health – Manish Butte, MD, PhD
Contact Details
UCLA Health: 310-825-0867 for immunology care and specialist connection.
Serving Areas
Westwood, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles, Downtown Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, and surrounding Southern California communities.
 

2. Rita Kachru, MD – UCLA Health

Overview
Rita Kachru, MD is a board-certified allergy and immunology physician at UCLA Health's Santa Monica Allergy & Immunology clinic. Her areas of focus include food allergy, eosinophilic esophagitis, urticaria, dermatitis, and peanut allergy desensitization.
Her background makes her an interesting option for patients searching for an allergist and immunologist in Los Angeles for food allergies and related conditions.
Services Offered
* Food allergy evaluation
* Oral food challenges
* Peanut allergy desensitization
* Oral immunotherapy
* Urticaria evaluation
* Atopic dermatitis care
* Eosinophilic esophagitis evaluation
* Allergy and immunology consultation
UCLA's food allergy program also provides multidisciplinary care and works with registered dietitians when appropriate.
Why Choose Her?
Dr. Kachru has specific clinical and research interests in food allergy and oral immunotherapy. UCLA lists her as board certified in Allergy and Immunology and highlights her experience in food allergy and related allergic conditions.
Location
UCLA Health Santa Monica Allergy & Immunology
1245 16th Street, Suite 303
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website
UCLA Health – Rita Kachru, MD
Contact Details
310-481-4646
Serving Areas
Santa Monica, Venice, Brentwood, West Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Culver City, Beverly Hills, and nearby communities.
 

3. Lorraine Anderson, MD – UCLA Health

Overview
Lorraine Anderson, MD is a board-certified specialist in Allergy and Immunology and Internal Medicine. She practices at UCLA Health's Santa Monica Allergy & Immunology location and accepts new patients according to her current UCLA profile.
She can be considered by adults looking for a Los Angeles allergy and immunology specialist for evaluation of allergic or immune-related symptoms.
Services Offered
* Allergy evaluation
* Immunology consultation
* Asthma-related allergy care
* Allergic rhinitis evaluation
* Food allergy assessment
* Drug allergy evaluation
* General allergy and immunology management
UCLA's allergy division treats a broad range of conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, sinusitis, insect allergies, and drug allergies.
Why Choose Her?
Dr. Anderson's dual board certification in Allergy and Immunology and Internal Medicine provides a useful combination for adult patients whose symptoms overlap with broader medical concerns. She completed her allergy and immunology fellowship through UCLA-VA and her internal medicine residency at Cedars-Sinai.
Location
UCLA Health Santa Monica Allergy & Immunology
1245 16th Street, Suite 303
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website
UCLA Health – Lorraine Anderson, MD
Contact Details
310-481-4646
Serving Areas
Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Brentwood, Venice, Culver City, Beverly Hills, and surrounding areas.
 

4. Samantha R. Swain, MD – UCLA Health

Overview
Samantha R. Swain, MD is a board-certified allergist and immunologist practicing at UCLA Health in Encino. Her clinical focus includes environmental, food and drug allergies, asthma, eczema, and immune defects.
For residents of the San Fernando Valley, her location can make specialty allergy and immunology care more convenient.
Services Offered
* Environmental allergy evaluation
* Food allergy care
* Drug allergy evaluation
* Allergic asthma management
* Eczema care
* Allergic rhinitis treatment
* Immune-defect evaluation
* Adult asthma specialty care
Why Choose Her?
Dr. Swain is particularly relevant for people dealing with multiple allergic conditions at the same time. UCLA notes that she participates in its Adult Asthma Specialty Clinic and uses shared decision-making with patients.
She also grew up in the San Fernando Valley, giving her a local connection to the community she now serves.
Location
UCLA Health Encino Specialty Care
15503 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 170
Encino, CA 91436
Website
UCLA Health – Samantha Swain, MD
Contact Details
818-783-0004
Serving Areas
Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Van Nuys, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Reseda, and the wider San Fernando Valley.
 

5. Ami Philipp, MD – UCLA Health

Overview
Ami Thakor Philipp, MD is a UCLA Health allergist and immunologist practicing at the Porter Ranch Primary & Specialty Care location. She sees patients of different ages and has particular interests in food and drug allergies, allergic rhinitis, and asthma.
Services Offered
* Food allergy evaluation
* Drug allergy evaluation
* Allergic rhinitis treatment
* Asthma care
* Urticaria evaluation
* Recurrent infection assessment
* Chronic cough evaluation
* Immunology services
UCLA lists allergic asthma, recurrent infections, urticaria, food allergy, chronic cough, and allergic rhinitis among her areas of focus.
Why Choose Her?
Dr. Philipp completed internal medicine residency at UCLA and allergy/immunology fellowship training through the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, including pediatric training at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
Her Porter Ranch location can also be useful for patients searching for an immunologist near the northern Los Angeles area.
Location
UCLA Health Porter Ranch Primary & Specialty Care
19950 Rinaldi Street, Suite 300
Porter Ranch, CA 91326
Website
UCLA Health – Ami Philipp, MD
Contact Details
818-271-2400
Serving Areas
Porter Ranch, Northridge, Chatsworth, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, San Fernando Valley, and nearby communities.
 

6. Eric Yen, MD, MPH, MS – UCLA Health

Overview
Eric Yen, MD, MPH, MS is a UCLA Health allergy and immunology physician whose listed areas of focus include environmental allergies, urticaria, food allergy, and drug allergy. He is board certified in both Allergy and Immunology and Pediatric Rheumatology.
Services Offered
* Environmental allergy care
* Food allergy evaluation
* Drug allergy assessment
* Urticaria treatment
* Immunology consultation
* Pediatric and family allergy care
Why Choose Him?
Dr. Yen has training across several pediatric specialties, including allergy and immunology and pediatric rheumatology. UCLA also lists him among its food allergy specialists.
This combination may be useful for families dealing with allergy symptoms alongside other inflammatory or immune-related concerns.
Location
UCLA Health Santa Monica Allergy & Immunology
1245 16th Street, Suite 303
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website
UCLA Health – Eric Yen, MD
Contact Details
310-481-4646 through UCLA Santa Monica Allergy & Immunology.
Serving Areas
Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Venice, and nearby areas.
 

7. Cindy Xi, MD – Keck Medicine of USC

Overview
Cindy Xi, MD is a board-certified physician in Allergy and Immunology, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics at Keck Medicine of USC. Her practice covers a broad range of allergic and immunologic conditions.
Services Offered
* Allergic rhinitis testing and treatment
* Asthma care
* Food allergy evaluation
* Drug allergy evaluation
* Stinging insect allergy care
* Urticaria treatment
* Angioedema evaluation
* Mast cell disorder evaluation
* Atopic dermatitis care
* Primary immune deficiency evaluation
* Skin prick testing
* Food and drug challenges
* Spirometry
* Biologic therapies
* Subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy
Her combination of allergy, internal medicine, and pediatric board certifications makes her a versatile option for patients with varied allergy and immune concerns.
Why Choose Her?
Dr. Xi offers a particularly broad set of in-clinic allergy services, including testing, challenges, pulmonary testing, biologic therapy administration, and allergen immunotherapy.
Location
Keck Medicine of USC has multiple Los Angeles-area locations, including:
830 S. Flower St., Suite A100, Los Angeles, CA 90017
1520 San Pablo St., HC2, Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90033
590 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Suite 310, Pasadena, CA 91105
Website
Keck Medicine of USC – Cindy Xi, MD
Contact Details
Location-specific numbers include 213-437-1000, 323-442-5100, and 626-568-1622.
Serving Areas
Downtown Los Angeles, USC/University Park, Boyle Heights, Pasadena, San Gabriel Valley, and surrounding communities.
 

8. Asal Gharib Naderi, MD – Keck Medicine of USC

Overview
Asal Gharib Naderi, MD is a Keck Faculty Physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Allergy and Immunology. She is board certified in Allergy and Immunology and Internal Medicine and completed allergy and immunology fellowship training at UC Irvine Medical Center.
Services Offered
* Allergy and immunology consultation
* Evaluation of allergic conditions
* Internal medicine care
* Immune-related assessment
* Allergy follow-up and treatment planning
Why Choose Her?
Patients who want an allergist with an internal medicine background may find this combination useful, particularly when allergy symptoms occur alongside other adult medical concerns.
Keck Medicine lists several Los Angeles-area locations for Dr. Naderi, including Downtown Los Angeles, University Park, Los Angeles' San Pablo Street campus, and Beverly Hills.
Location
Multiple locations, including:
830 S. Flower St., Suite A100, Los Angeles, CA 90017
1031 W. 34th St., Suite 430, Los Angeles, CA 90089
1520 San Pablo St., HC2, Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90033
9033 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Website
Keck Medicine of USC – Asal Gharib Naderi, MD
Serving Areas
Downtown Los Angeles, University Park, USC, Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.
 

9. Peck Yeow Ong, MD – Keck Medicine of USC

Overview
Peck Yeow Ong, MD is a Keck Faculty Physician specializing in Allergy and Immunology. His training includes an Allergy and Immunology fellowship at National Jewish Health and pediatric residency training at White Memorial Medical Center.
Services Offered
* Allergy and immunology consultations
* Evaluation of allergic conditions
* Pediatric allergy and immune-related care
* Long-term allergy management
* Specialist evaluation for complex allergic concerns
Why Choose Him?
Dr. Ong's pediatric background combined with fellowship training in Allergy and Immunology can be relevant for families seeking specialty care for children with allergic or immune-related conditions.
Location
Keck Hospital of USC
1500 San Pablo Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Website
Keck Medicine of USC – Peck Yeow Ong, MD
Contact Details
Keck Medicine appointment line: (800) USC-CARE.
Serving Areas
Los Angeles, USC/University Park, East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, Downtown Los Angeles, and nearby Southern California communities.
 

10. Melinda Braskett, MD – Children's Hospital Los Angeles

Overview
For families looking for a pediatric immunologist in Los Angeles, Melinda Braskett, MD is an important specialist to consider. She is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist and serves as Associate Medical Director of the Gores Family Allergy Center at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
She is also Co-Director of the Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders Program.
Services Offered
* Pediatric allergy evaluation
* Food allergy diagnosis and management
* Drug allergy assessment
* Food and drug hypersensitivity evaluation
* Desensitization protocols
* Primary immunodeficiency evaluation
* Immune dysregulation evaluation
* Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder care
Her clinical interests include food and drug allergy, primary immunodeficiency, immune dysregulation syndromes, and personalized desensitization protocols.
Why Choose Her?
Dr. Braskett has extensive pediatric allergy and immunology training, including residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and fellowship training in Allergy and Clinical Immunology at UCLA. She previously served as Medical Director of the UCLA Food and Drug Allergy Care Center.
This background makes her particularly relevant for children with complicated food or drug allergies and immune-system concerns.
Location
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
4650 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90027
She is also listed at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles Santa Monica Care Center, 1419 19th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404.
Website
Children's Hospital Los Angeles – Melinda Braskett, MD
Contact Details
Clinical Immunology and Allergy: 323-361-2501
Santa Monica Care Center: 310-820-8608
Serving Areas
Los Angeles, Hollywood, Silver Lake, Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, and surrounding Southern California communities.
 

What Does an Immunologist Treat?

An immunologist or allergy and immunology specialist evaluates problems involving the body's immune response. Some patients see these doctors because their immune system appears to react too strongly, while others are referred because the immune system may not be functioning normally.
Common reasons to see an allergist or immunologist include:
* Seasonal allergies and allergic rhinitis
* Asthma associated with allergies
* Food allergies
* Drug allergies
* Insect-sting allergies
* Hives and chronic urticaria
* Angioedema
* Eczema and atopic dermatitis
* Recurrent infections
* Primary immune deficiencies
* Certain immune dysregulation disorders
* Mast cell disorders
* Eosinophilic disorders
UCLA's allergy and immunology program, for example, treats allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergies, sinusitis, stinging insect allergies, drug allergies, and immunodeficiency disorders.
 

Allergy Testing and Immunology Services in Los Angeles
The exact evaluation depends on your symptoms and medical history. An allergist may recommend allergy testing, pulmonary testing, food or medication challenges, or other investigations.
Allergy Testing
Testing may help identify triggers associated with symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, asthma, hives, or food reactions. Some specialists provide skin testing and other diagnostic services.
Food Allergy Evaluation
Food allergies can be complicated because a suspected food does not always cause a true allergic reaction. Specialists may use history, testing, supervised challenges, and other approaches to establish a diagnosis.
Immunotherapy
Some patients may benefit from allergen immunotherapy. Depending on the condition, this can involve carefully controlled exposure to specific allergens under medical supervision.
Immune Deficiency Evaluation
Patients with unusually frequent, severe, or persistent infections may need an immunology evaluation. UCLA specifically identifies primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders as part of its specialty expertise.
 

Benefits of Seeing an Allergy & Immunology Specialist

Choosing a specialist rather than relying only on general symptom treatment can provide several potential benefits.
More Targeted Diagnosis
Allergy and immune symptoms can overlap with respiratory, dermatological, gastrointestinal, and infectious conditions. A specialist can investigate whether an immune or allergic mechanism is contributing to symptoms.
Personalized Treatment
Treatment may vary significantly between patients. Depending on the diagnosis, management can include medication, allergen avoidance, immunotherapy, biologic therapy, desensitization, or immune replacement treatment.
Access to Specialized Testing
Some allergy clinics offer services such as skin testing, food and drug challenges, spirometry, and allergen immunotherapy. Keck Medicine's profile for Dr. Cindy Xi specifically lists several of these services.
Better Management of Chronic Conditions
Conditions such as asthma, eczema, chronic urticaria, and food allergies may require ongoing management rather than a one-time treatment.
Pediatric and Adult Expertise
Los Angeles has specialist programs serving both children and adults. UCLA, for example, maintains adult and pediatric allergy and immunology services across several locations.
 

How to Choose the Right Immunologist in Los Angeles
Finding an immunologist near Los Angeles is easy. Finding the right one for your specific needs takes a little more research.
1. Identify Your Main Concern
Start by asking what problem you need evaluated.
Is it:
* Seasonal allergies?
* Food allergy?
* Asthma?
* Hives?
* Recurrent infections?
* Suspected immune deficiency?
* Drug allergy?
* Eczema?
* A child's allergic reaction?
Different physicians may have different areas of focus.
2. Check Board Certification
Look for appropriate board certification in Allergy and Immunology. Some physicians also have certification in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or other related specialties.
3. Consider Age-Specific Expertise
A pediatric allergist may be the best choice for a young child, particularly when dealing with food allergies, recurrent infections, or immune disorders.
For adults, an allergy and immunology physician with internal medicine training may be preferable when multiple medical conditions are involved.
4. Look at Specific Services
If you need a particular service, ask whether the clinic provides it.
For example, you may want:
* Skin prick testing
* Food challenge
* Drug challenge
* Allergy shots
* Oral immunotherapy
* Biologic therapy
* Spirometry
* Immune-deficiency testing
5. Consider Location
Los Angeles traffic can turn a short distance into a lengthy commute. A highly qualified doctor who is reasonably close to your home or workplace may be easier to visit consistently.
Consider locations in:
* Westwood
* Santa Monica
* Beverly Hills
* Encino
* Porter Ranch
* Downtown Los Angeles
* USC/University Park
* Pasadena
UCLA currently lists allergy and immunology locations in Santa Monica, Encino, Porter Ranch, Pasadena, and Downtown Los Angeles, among others.
6. Verify Insurance
Insurance participation changes, and a physician accepting a particular insurance company does not necessarily mean every plan under that company is covered.
Always verify your specific plan before scheduling.
7. Ask About New-Patient Availability
Some specialists may have limited appointment availability. Ask whether the physician is accepting new patients and whether appointments are available in person or virtually.
 

When Should You See an Immunologist?
Consider discussing an allergy or immunology referral with your primary care doctor if you experience persistent or unexplained allergic symptoms, repeated infections, severe reactions to foods or medications, uncontrolled allergic asthma, chronic hives, or suspected immune-system problems.
A particularly important reason to seek urgent medical attention is a severe allergic reaction involving difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, fainting, or other signs of anaphylaxis. Such symptoms require emergency care rather than waiting for a routine specialist appointment.
 

Frequently Asked Questions About Immunologists in Los Angeles
1. What is the difference between an allergist and an immunologist?
Allergists and immunologists generally specialize in diagnosing and treating allergic diseases as well as disorders involving the immune system. The specialty is commonly called Allergy and Immunology.
2. What does an immunologist in Los Angeles treat?
Depending on the physician, treatment may include food allergies, environmental allergies, asthma, drug allergies, eczema, hives, recurrent infections, immune deficiencies, and other immune-system disorders. UCLA's allergy division lists many of these conditions among its treatment areas.
3. Do immunologists treat food allergies?
Yes. Many allergy and immunology specialists evaluate and treat food allergies. Some also provide supervised oral food challenges or immunotherapy. UCLA's food allergy program includes specialists experienced in caring for patients with food allergies.
4. Can an immunologist diagnose immune deficiency?
Yes. Immunologists can evaluate patients who may have primary or secondary immune deficiencies. UCLA specifically lists immunodeficiency disorders among its immunology services.
5. Should children see a pediatric immunologist?
Children with severe allergies, recurrent infections, suspected immune deficiencies, or complex food and drug allergies may benefit from pediatric allergy and immunology expertise. Children's Hospital Los Angeles and UCLA both have pediatric allergy and immunology services.
6. Does allergy testing hurt?
Some allergy tests may cause temporary discomfort or itching, but the experience varies depending on the test. Your allergist can explain what will happen before testing.
7. Do all immunologists provide allergy shots?
No. Services differ between physicians and clinics. If you are specifically looking for allergen immunotherapy, confirm that the clinic offers it before scheduling.
8. Does insurance cover an immunologist?
Many health insurance plans cover medically necessary specialist consultations, but coverage depends on the specific plan, network, deductible, authorization requirements, and treatment. Always confirm benefits directly with your insurer and the medical practice.
9. Can an immunologist help with recurring infections?
Yes. Recurrent or unusually severe infections can sometimes be associated with an immune-system problem. UCLA's immunology program specifically treats patients with recurrent or frequent infections and immune deficiencies.
10. How do I find the best immunologist near me in Los Angeles?
Start by identifying the physician's specialty focus, board certification, services, location, insurance participation, and availability. The "best" immunologist depends on your individual medical needs rather than simply an online ranking.
 

Conclusion
Finding the right immunologist in Los Angeles for allergy and immunity issues can make a meaningful difference when symptoms are persistent, severe, or difficult to explain. From seasonal allergies and asthma to food reactions, chronic hives, drug allergies, recurrent infections, and immune deficiencies, allergy and immunology specialists can provide targeted evaluation and long-term management.
Los Angeles offers a particularly broad range of specialty options through major institutions such as UCLA Health, Keck Medicine of USC, and Children's Hospital Los Angeles. The physicians featured in this guide represent different areas of expertise, including adult allergy care, pediatric immunology, food allergy, asthma, immune deficiency, and complex allergic disorders.
Before making an appointment, compare each doctor's area of focus with your specific concern. Check board certification, location, insurance, appointment availability, and the diagnostic or treatment services offered.
Most importantly, don't choose a specialist solely because a website calls them "the best." Your medical history and the physician's expertise in your particular condition are much more important.
For severe allergic reactions or symptoms suggesting an emergency, seek immediate medical attention rather than waiting for a routine immunology appointment.

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