Inpatient Clinics
I currently am seeing a headache specialist in Northern VA who I am happy with but after having migraines for 27 years I am 3 years into a continuos migraine my hubby and I feel it is time for inpatient clinic treatment. I have an appointment next week for the Diamond Clinic in Chicago but am feeling anxious. Trying to decide if it would be better to cancel that appointment (try too use my plane tickets at another time) and try to get into to Jefferson instead. I am not looking to replace my current doctor but instead find another perspective. My goal would be for whatever clinic I end up at to work with my current doctor not replace her.
So Jefferson vs Diamaond vs MHNI….
Hi av8wife,
I'm so sorry we didn't get back to sooner. Did you keep your appointment and how did it go?
I think it's a great idea to see a true expert who treats migraine and headache disorders. Better to seek out the doctor than the clinic, if that makes sense. If you didn't go to the Diamond, you may not have to travel far to see an expert; there are 9 or so doctors in VA who are board certified in headache medicine which is different than being certified in neurology. You can find those experts here; http://www.ucns.org/globals/axon/assets/10300.pdf.
A consultation with another expert may be just the thing your treatment plan needs!
Keep us posted,
Nancy
Av8wife,
I just came across you question and thought I'd chime in. I live in DC and have a headache specialist at Georgetown. After years of trying everything, she referred me to Jefferson for an inpatient stay. She had actually done her Fellowship at Jefferson so she knew what to recommend. At Georgetown, they don't have the same inpatient options as Jefferson. My DC neuro and my Jefferson neuro consult on my treatment and it works well. Plus I can take the train to Philly, which is convenient when driving is difficult for me.I've not been to the 2 other clinics, so I can't give you an opinion. If you want to read about my experiences at Jefferson, here are a few posts. Let us know how things are going!
https://migraine.com/blog/headache-camp/
https://migraine.com/blog/headache-camp-round-2/-Katie
Migraine.com ModeratorHi everyone,
I'm wondering if anyone knows of any inpatient programs in the Boston/New England area. I had a second opinion neurologist recommend inpatient to me to get off of a rebound cycle that has lasted about 2 years. However, my insurance doesn't cover out of network programs (ie. MHNI & Diamond). Does anyone have any ideas? I'm at the end of my rope and am taking 24 Imitrex a month, just to function for part of the day.
Thanks so much!
Hi 1lr0he6,
I'm from Wisconsin so I can't help you with the Boston area. I'm sure you've done your research, but just wanted to make sure that Diamond (or MHNI)really is out of network for you. I actually assumed that it was Out of Network for me, but was surprised to find out it was in network when I called. Or Jefferson, as many have mentioned.
I've been in 3 different rebound cycles in my life. The first 2 I was able to get out of as an outpatient using steroids (like Prednisone, etc). Of course this was under a doctor's guidance. Is your doctor a headache specialist? That might be all you need. Like Nancy says above, we should see someone who is a specialist in headache medicine. They may be able to help you.
For my 3rd rebound cycle, my headache specialist sent me to Diamond for Inpatient treatment, because I just couldn't get out of it. So I certainly understand if that's not much of a possibility.
I'm so sorry that you are going through this and hope that you are able to find what you need. Rebound headaches are the worst! It is possible that with the right help you MAY be able to get out of the cycle without going to an inpatient clinic.
