chronicclusterheadaches.co.uk

Annette

HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD HEADACHE SPECIALIST

Questions to ask :

1- What are your credentials?

2- What are your specialties?

3- What professional organizations to you belong to?

4- How long have you been treating headaches and CH in particular?

5- What experience have you had in treating headaches and CH ?

6- How do you approach treatment of CH ?

7- What do you charge?

8- Do you accept insurance? If so, what kinds?

9- Currently how many CH patients do you have ?

10- What is your view on new and alternative treatment for CH ?

11- How do you protect client confidentiality? Who (besides you) will have access to my files?

12- How long is each session? Are there exceptions to this?

13- Has anyone ever lodged a formal complaint against you?

14- Have you ever been censured by a professional organization?

15- If I were in crisis, would I be able to reach you? How do you handle crises?

16- How do you feel about me bringing in print outs on the topic to discuss with you ?

17- What is your policy about contact outside of the session?

18- Do you arrange vacation coverage?

19- Do you think you can help me?

20- Is there anything I should know about your services that I didn't think to ask about?

My impressions: check all that apply

1- I felt happy with the initial consultation and reasonably comfortable

2- I felt understood and taken seriously

3- I was treated respectfully

4- We agreed about the nature of the problem/diagnosis

5- This feels like it could be a good "match", we can communicate openly

6- My questions were answered adequately

7- My treatment goals were addressed

8- This individual is clinically qualified

9- I can afford it

10- I can get there with reasonable ease

Overall impression:

- Good

- Fair

- Poor