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Advocacy Issues Affecting Those With Headaches and Migraines
Those of us with headache and Migraines are faced by some of the same issues as other chronic pain patients and some that are a bit different. Whether we’re talking about patient rights in general or the ongoing battle with insurance companies over unacceptable triptan limitations, this is the place for information. To succeed, we must all speak out. We’ll show you how.
Our Illnesses May Be Invisible, but They're Very Real
We who live with chronic headaches and Migraine disease have something in common with 96% of people who live with a chronic illness -- our illness is invisible. September 11-17, 2006, is National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week (NICIAW). The theme this year is, "My Illness Is Invisible But My Hope Shines Through!"
We who live with chronic headaches and Migraine disease have something in common with 96% of people who live with a chronic illness -- our illness is invisible. September 11-17, 2006, is National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week (NICIAW). The theme this year is, "My Illness Is Invisible But My Hope Shines Through!"
Your Rights To Your Medical Records Under HIPAA
Our medical records are the method by which our current doctors follow our health and our health care. They're also important to provide background if you need to see a specialist and to bring new doctors up-to-speed. Our medical records are the records of the people with whom we literally entrust our lives. Let's explore some of the issues regarding medical records.
Our medical records are the method by which our current doctors follow our health and our health care. They're also important to provide background if you need to see a specialist and to bring new doctors up-to-speed. Our medical records are the records of the people with whom we literally entrust our lives. Let's explore some of the issues regarding medical records.
Soldiers in Iraq: Migraines Up, Management Down
A study has been conducted to study the prevalence of Migraine among U.S. soldiers serving in Irag. The results not only do that, but they raise some questions. Only 3% received triptans. How many soldiers have how many Migraines? Why aren't they receiving optimal care?
A study has been conducted to study the prevalence of Migraine among U.S. soldiers serving in Irag. The results not only do that, but they raise some questions. Only 3% received triptans. How many soldiers have how many Migraines? Why aren't they receiving optimal care?
Psychedelics? Were they really bad?
It's nothing new. Drugs that are abused or misused by a small segment of society become stigmatized. Other segments of society overreact, and the potential benefits of the drugs become lost in the shuffle. Is there any hope that we've grown up enough to put responsibility where it belongs and keep helpful drugs avaialable?
It's nothing new. Drugs that are abused or misused by a small segment of society become stigmatized. Other segments of society overreact, and the potential benefits of the drugs become lost in the shuffle. Is there any hope that we've grown up enough to put responsibility where it belongs and keep helpful drugs avaialable?
Fraudulent Sites Closed, Owner Indicted on Multiple Counts
Sites such as migrainecure.com and cancercure.org, which had been selling fraudulent "cures," have finally been shut down. The owner of the sites, Arthur Vanmoor, has been indicted on multiple counts.
Sites such as migrainecure.com and cancercure.org, which had been selling fraudulent "cures," have finally been shut down. The owner of the sites, Arthur Vanmoor, has been indicted on multiple counts.
Migrainecure.com and Other Sites Ordered Closed by Judge
Looking into a group Web sites under the umbrella of Flu-Fighter Laboratories when a reader asked me what I thought of the product being sold at migrainecure.com. The site and owners are now under investigation by federal prosecutors. A judge ordered a halt to their business pending a hearing, but these Web sites are still up and running.
Looking into a group Web sites under the umbrella of Flu-Fighter Laboratories when a reader asked me what I thought of the product being sold at migrainecure.com. The site and owners are now under investigation by federal prosecutors. A judge ordered a halt to their business pending a hearing, but these Web sites are still up and running.
Forms to Help Get Better Emergency Care
Those who go to emergency rooms and urgent care facilities JUST to get drugs have made getting emergency treatment more difficult for legitimate pain patients. In some cases, a form completed by your physician can make a big difference. Here are forms for your use.
Those who go to emergency rooms and urgent care facilities JUST to get drugs have made getting emergency treatment more difficult for legitimate pain patients. In some cases, a form completed by your physician can make a big difference. Here are forms for your use.
Migraineurs Bill of Rights
Migraineurs Bill of Rights. Although not a legal document, the Bill of Rights describes the kind of treatment and respect Migraineurs should be entitled to and be able to rely upon. Reprinted, with permission, from the web site of the American Council for Headache Education.
Migraineurs Bill of Rights. Although not a legal document, the Bill of Rights describes the kind of treatment and respect Migraineurs should be entitled to and be able to rely upon. Reprinted, with permission, from the web site of the American Council for Headache Education.
“Migraine Calculator” Unveiled: Shows Benefits of Treating Employee Migraines
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) unveiled a new “Migraine Calculator” at the Institute for Health and Productivity Management conference in Orlando, Florida on March 10. The calculator is a web-based tool designed to help employers estimate the incidence of Migraine, its impact on their work force, and the potential net savings of helping employees get treatment.
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) unveiled a new “Migraine Calculator” at the Institute for Health and Productivity Management conference in Orlando, Florida on March 10. The calculator is a web-based tool designed to help employers estimate the incidence of Migraine, its impact on their work force, and the potential net savings of helping employees get treatment.
This Suicide Was Senseless and Preventable!
Janice was doing everything "right." She was seeing a neurologist, taking preventives, using triptans as soon as a Migraine attack began, using rescue medications sparingly when triptans failed. Still, about once a month, even with her triptans and rescue medications, a Migraine would spiral out of control, and she’d go to the ER. Why did she commit suicide?
Janice was doing everything "right." She was seeing a neurologist, taking preventives, using triptans as soon as a Migraine attack began, using rescue medications sparingly when triptans failed. Still, about once a month, even with her triptans and rescue medications, a Migraine would spiral out of control, and she’d go to the ER. Why did she commit suicide?
Addiction versus Dependence: A Call for Public Education.
Pain creates a devastating situation for sufferers and those around them. Pain, especially chronic pain, is a debilitating, very dehumanizing condition. Albert Schweitzer said, "Pain is a more terrible lord than death itself." Unfortunately, the misinformation about narcotics that rules the U.S. is causing more and more people to be left in pain. Something must be done.
Pain creates a devastating situation for sufferers and those around them. Pain, especially chronic pain, is a debilitating, very dehumanizing condition. Albert Schweitzer said, "Pain is a more terrible lord than death itself." Unfortunately, the misinformation about narcotics that rules the U.S. is causing more and more people to be left in pain. Something must be done.
DEA Finally Addresses Withdrawal of FAQ; Substance or Fluff?
In August, the DEA and a group of pain management experts had released a FAQ, "Prescription Pain Medications: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Health Care Professionals and Law Enforcement Personnel." In October, the DEA removed the FAQ from their site, and asked some others to do the same. Answers have been unavailable since. Now, the DEA has issued an interim policy statement.
In August, the DEA and a group of pain management experts had released a FAQ, "Prescription Pain Medications: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Health Care Professionals and Law Enforcement Personnel." In October, the DEA removed the FAQ from their site, and asked some others to do the same. Answers have been unavailable since. Now, the DEA has issued an interim policy statement.
DEA Withdraws Pain Med FAQ. Why?
In August, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), working with dozens of pain management specialists from across the US, released "Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Health Care Professionals and Law Enforcement Personnel." Two weeks ago, with no warning, the DEA withdrew the FAQ and removed it from the Internet. Why?
In August, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), working with dozens of pain management specialists from across the US, released "Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Health Care Professionals and Law Enforcement Personnel." Two weeks ago, with no warning, the DEA withdrew the FAQ and removed it from the Internet. Why?
Chronic Pain: Pain Awareness Month
A Congressional mandate declared 2000 - 2010 as the Decade of Pain Control and Research. September is Pain Awareness Month in this, the fourth year of that decade. This is the month to learn more about pain and it's relief itselves and work to raise the awareness of others.
A Congressional mandate declared 2000 - 2010 as the Decade of Pain Control and Research. September is Pain Awareness Month in this, the fourth year of that decade. This is the month to learn more about pain and it's relief itselves and work to raise the awareness of others.
What Is Wrong Here?!
This week's article is different because I'm ticked. I want to share it with you because I believe we have the power to do something about it. One of our forum members has written that the only way she can medical care for her daughter and herself is to get a divorce so they qualify for medicaid. We live in an ill society with broken systems. It's an election year and time to use our vote wisely.
This week's article is different because I'm ticked. I want to share it with you because I believe we have the power to do something about it. One of our forum members has written that the only way she can medical care for her daughter and herself is to get a divorce so they qualify for medicaid. We live in an ill society with broken systems. It's an election year and time to use our vote wisely.
When You Can't Afford Medical Care . . .
We all know how very difficult it is to get medical care and medications for our headaches and Migraines without insurance coverage. Lately, the number of forum posts and messages about this in my email and our "Ask the Clinician" questions have been increasing dramatically. While I certainly don't have great answers for this problem, here are some avenues to investigate.
We all know how very difficult it is to get medical care and medications for our headaches and Migraines without insurance coverage. Lately, the number of forum posts and messages about this in my email and our "Ask the Clinician" questions have been increasing dramatically. While I certainly don't have great answers for this problem, here are some avenues to investigate.
DEA and Pain Docs Release Collaborative FAQ
In the wake of news stories about prescription drug use and abuse and great concern among patients in pain, dozens of pain experts in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), recently released a FAQ document intended to provide answers to questions about treating pain while recognizing and addressing problems associated with diversion and abuse of prescription drugs.
In the wake of news stories about prescription drug use and abuse and great concern among patients in pain, dozens of pain experts in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), recently released a FAQ document intended to provide answers to questions about treating pain while recognizing and addressing problems associated with diversion and abuse of prescription drugs.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Basics
Chronic headaches and Migraines, as well as other health conditions, can cause us to miss work, thus creating problems with our employment and employers. As this is a topic of great concern to so many of us, let's take a look at the United States Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) and its potential benefits for us.
Chronic headaches and Migraines, as well as other health conditions, can cause us to miss work, thus creating problems with our employment and employers. As this is a topic of great concern to so many of us, let's take a look at the United States Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) and its potential benefits for us.
Insurance and Your Doctor Disagree. Can You Sue?
Two primary issues led to the U.S. Supreme Court's agreeing hear the appeal of two related cases and determine whether patients can sue HMOs for malpractice or other torts in a state court when they refuse to pay for the care recommended by a doctor. The issues were Aetna's refusal to pay for an expensive medication and Cigna's refusal to cover a longer hospital stay than their rules allowed.
Two primary issues led to the U.S. Supreme Court's agreeing hear the appeal of two related cases and determine whether patients can sue HMOs for malpractice or other torts in a state court when they refuse to pay for the care recommended by a doctor. The issues were Aetna's refusal to pay for an expensive medication and Cigna's refusal to cover a longer hospital stay than their rules allowed.
UNACCEPTABLE Triptan Limitations
If your insurance provider limits the triptans they cover for you, this section is for you! Here are the most commonly used excuses, the rebuttal for those excuses, and a form to report these unacceptable limits.
If your insurance provider limits the triptans they cover for you, this section is for you! Here are the most commonly used excuses, the rebuttal for those excuses, and a form to report these unacceptable limits.
An URGENT Chronic Pain Issue
FDA Committee Meeting, 9/03: "...I became an advocate on behalf of all Americans in pain … invited to participate in an Internet discussion on the issues confronting physicians who treat pain ... I watched as several [doctors] were arrested and charged with murder, or subjected to accusations of violating the Controlled Substances Act. I knew, as I watched, that something was going terribly wrong…
FDA Committee Meeting, 9/03: "...I became an advocate on behalf of all Americans in pain … invited to participate in an Internet discussion on the issues confronting physicians who treat pain ... I watched as several [doctors] were arrested and charged with murder, or subjected to accusations of violating the Controlled Substances Act. I knew, as I watched, that something was going terribly wrong…
OxyContin Problem — Not That Complicated
OxyContin Problem— Not That Complicated. This Law Enforcement Issue Should NOT Drive Medical Policy Toward Those In Pain
OxyContin Problem— Not That Complicated. This Law Enforcement Issue Should NOT Drive Medical Policy Toward Those In Pain
OxyContin: News and Thoughts
OxyContin is back in the news, and some would limit its availability, even for those in pain. There was a period of time when you couldn't watch a news broadcast or visit a news website without hearing or reading something about the issues associated with OxyContin®, it's abuse, and related issues. For many months, it seemed that all the controversy had died down. Actually, that wasn't the case...
OxyContin is back in the news, and some would limit its availability, even for those in pain. There was a period of time when you couldn't watch a news broadcast or visit a news website without hearing or reading something about the issues associated with OxyContin®, it's abuse, and related issues. For many months, it seemed that all the controversy had died down. Actually, that wasn't the case...
The National Pain Care Policy Act of 2003
The National Pain Care Policy Act of 2003, which has been introduced in the House of Representatives, would mandate many actions essential to ensuring proper treatment for people in pain. Please help us get it passed!
The National Pain Care Policy Act of 2003, which has been introduced in the House of Representatives, would mandate many actions essential to ensuring proper treatment for people in pain. Please help us get it passed!
Arm Yourself and Educate People!
Migraineurs and those afflicted with other head pain disorders continue to face the dilemma of people around us not understanding the legitimacy/severity of the disorders and the problems caused by them. Here’s a new tool to fight that dilemma.
Migraineurs and those afflicted with other head pain disorders continue to face the dilemma of people around us not understanding the legitimacy/severity of the disorders and the problems caused by them. Here’s a new tool to fight that dilemma.
Coping With Busy Doctors
We're all familiar with the problems of too few doctors, problems communicating with doctors, busy doctors who seem to cut appointments short. How can we get the most from our appointments with these doctors? Here are some tips.
We're all familiar with the problems of too few doctors, problems communicating with doctors, busy doctors who seem to cut appointments short. How can we get the most from our appointments with these doctors? Here are some tips.
EMPOWERMENT Over Headaches and Migraine
Headaches make us feel helpless, desolate, and often out of control. With education and support, we can achieve a level of empowerment that allows us to take our lives back and work to control these monster headaches.
Headaches make us feel helpless, desolate, and often out of control. With education and support, we can achieve a level of empowerment that allows us to take our lives back and work to control these monster headaches.
Is Your Pain Being Properly Assessed and Managed?
Providers Ordered To Treat Pain. Do you ever leave the hospital or emergency room still in pain? Were you asked to assess your level of pain? JCAHO, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, has Pain Management and Assessment Standards for Hospitals. One standard states, "Patients have the right to appropriate assessment and management of pain."
Providers Ordered To Treat Pain. Do you ever leave the hospital or emergency room still in pain? Were you asked to assess your level of pain? JCAHO, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, has Pain Management and Assessment Standards for Hospitals. One standard states, "Patients have the right to appropriate assessment and management of pain."
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Limits Access To Meds
For many Migraineurs and ClusterHeads, the only medications that provide relief are triptans. Without triptans, we endure days of pain and other symptoms, resort to emergency room visits, or — in thankfully fewer cases — risk a stroke. Yet too many insurance companies limit the quantity they will pay for regardless of the prescription and the high insurance premiums patients have paid.
For many Migraineurs and ClusterHeads, the only medications that provide relief are triptans. Without triptans, we endure days of pain and other symptoms, resort to emergency room visits, or — in thankfully fewer cases — risk a stroke. Yet too many insurance companies limit the quantity they will pay for regardless of the prescription and the high insurance premiums patients have paid.
BCBS Still Limiting, Declined Response
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida had offered no resolution to the problems faced by their subscribers whose access to triptans is being limited. Here's a follow-up on the situation and what can be done to work toward a resolution for all patients who suffer these limitations.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida had offered no resolution to the problems faced by their subscribers whose access to triptans is being limited. Here's a follow-up on the situation and what can be done to work toward a resolution for all patients who suffer these limitations.
BCBS Says Triptan Limit Was an Error
In the case we’ve been following, BCBS of Florida now says that limiting Ms. Brown’s triptans was “a mistake.” Is this truly a victory? Let’s explore the case and decide.
In the case we’ve been following, BCBS of Florida now says that limiting Ms. Brown’s triptans was “a mistake.” Is this truly a victory? Let’s explore the case and decide.
Lost Your Job? Keep Your Health Insurance
Important advice from About's Guide to Career Planning, Dawn Rosenberg McKay.
Important advice from About's Guide to Career Planning, Dawn Rosenberg McKay.
MAGNUM: The National Migraine Association
Disability and Impairment: "In our Disability and Impairment area we highlight what M.A.G.N.U.M. and others are currently doing to obtain better laws and treatment for migraineurs, plus we address problems in the workplace and family issues."
Disability and Impairment: "In our Disability and Impairment area we highlight what M.A.G.N.U.M. and others are currently doing to obtain better laws and treatment for migraineurs, plus we address problems in the workplace and family issues."
American Pain Foundation
Founded in 1997, the American Pain Foundation is an independent nonprofit 501(c)3 organization serving people with pain through information, advocacy, and support. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people with pain by raising public awareness, providing practical information, promoting research, and advocating to remove barriers and increase access to effective pain management.
Founded in 1997, the American Pain Foundation is an independent nonprofit 501(c)3 organization serving people with pain through information, advocacy, and support. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for people with pain by raising public awareness, providing practical information, promoting research, and advocating to remove barriers and increase access to effective pain management.
North American Chronic Pain Society
Great support resource as well as current information about little things each of us can do to add up to great things for pain patient advocacy.
Great support resource as well as current information about little things each of us can do to add up to great things for pain patient advocacy.
National Pain Foundation (U.S.)
The National Pain Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 1998 to advance functional recovery of persons in pain through information, education and support.
The National Pain Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 1998 to advance functional recovery of persons in pain through information, education and support.
Partners Against Pain
Stay Current with the latest news on chronic pain — coping strategies, disease information, alternative therapies, ongoing research, more...
Stay Current with the latest news on chronic pain — coping strategies, disease information, alternative therapies, ongoing research, more...