People struggle with access to care
In the headache-migraine community, patients face challenges everyday when it comes to care. Will my insurance approve this? Does my doctor believe me?
Access includes treating people with dignity and respect.
We need to address stigma and bias.
Stigma can have a significant impact on quality of life, disability, and mental health. Headache and migraine-related stigma is a complex issue that can negatively impact people’s lives.
Here are the different types of stigma we need to address in order for patients to access the care they need:
- Internalized stigma: When patients absorb negative views and experience self-blame and diminished self-worth
- Discrimination: In the workplace, healthcare settings, and personal relationships
- Negative emotions: Such as shame, guilt, and isolation
- Public stigma: Negative societal attitudes and stereotypes that trivialize the condition
- Structural stigma: Policies that restrict access to care and resources
We need to use people-first language.
Using people-first language is meant to help people who communicate about headache diseases to do so in a more accurate, informed, and empathetic manner.
Treating these conditions and the people living with them with the seriousness and care they deserve.
The Headache & Migraine Disease Language & Image Guide is a collaborative effort of the headache, migraine, and cluster patient advocacy community.
We need to engage and empower patients.
Help patients take effective control of their health and well-being. Patients trained to become active partners in their care rather than only a consumer of health services.
Access includes giving patients the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to manage their own health and healthcare.
- Alignment of realistic expectations with their healthcare providers
- Willing and able to advocate for own goals and preferences
- Health literacy education: ability to access, understand, process, and use health information, in order to navigate the healthcare environment properly.
Access includes people receiving timely high-quality healthcare.
Industry Innovation
Headache medicine is in an unprecedented era of innovation, offering more treatment options than ever before. With FDA-approved and FDA-cleared treatments and breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and digital therapeutics, patients have access to a growing range of effective options.
Click here to learn more about how headache research is advancing and key research priorities for the next decade.
Right care, Right time, Right place
Access to the right care at the right time and place is essential for achieving better health outcomes, reducing disparities, and lowering costs. When healthcare services are readily available and timely, patients can receive the treatment they need exactly when it matters most.
With skilled, qualified providers available 24/7 both in person and virtually, and organizations committed to culturally competent, continuous improvement, the healthcare system is better equipped than ever to support individuals on their journey to wellness.
Access to Care
Our comprehensive guide to access.
Patient Financial Assistance
Understand insurance coverage and patient assistance programs.
Insurance & Pharmacy Coverage
Explore the latest drug and nondrug options and coverage.
Healthcare Policy
Advocacy efforts in the headache and migraine community.
Patient Access
Empowered patients to make informed choices.
