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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is The San Francisco Headache Clinic?
The San Francisco Headache Clinic is one of the few clinical institutions in the United States devoted to the investigation, diagnosis,
treatment, and management of recurrent headaches. The clinic is directed by Jerome Goldstein, M.D., a Board-certified medical neurologist and a member of the American Headache Society.
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Where is The San Francisco Headache Clinic located?
The San Francisco Headache Clinic is located at 909 Hyde Street in San Francisco, approximately six blocks from Union Square and convenient to all
major transportation routes, hotels, and the downtown area. The San Francisco Headache Clinic is conveniently located across the street from Saint Francis Memorial Hospital. All necessary laboratory and X-ray
testing can be obtained at the hospital on an outpatient basis.
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How does someone become a patient at The San Francisco Headache Clinic?
The San Francisco Headache Clinic will accept patients referred from other physicians, and direct referrals are possible. A previously treating
physician is preferred. A comprehensive medical evaluation is anticipated for every patient who enters The San Francisco Headache Clinic. Both English and Spanish are spoken by the staff and the physicians at
The San Francisco Headache Clinic.
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How does The San Francisco Headache Clinic function?
The goal of The San Francisco Headache Clinic is for each patient to receive a proper diagnosis of the specific type of headache and its underlying
causes. Since there are numerous types of headaches, the proper treatment for each is specific and differs from other treatment modes.
We provide continuing care for the headache patient. Chronic headache requires continued therapy if treatment is to be successful. Close
patient-physician and patient-clinic relationships are essential for the effective management of headache. All clinic personnel are committed to that goal. We encourage the reporting of any problems connected
with the headache or its treatment.
We stress preventive forms of treatment to reduce the frequency and severity of headache. We stress the use of headache medications which are not addictive
and have the fewest possible side effects. Biofeedback and behavioral modification therapy are available at The San Francisco Headache Clinic.
Harmful or potentially addictive medications will not be prescribed by this clinic on a continued basis, and their habitual use will be
discouraged.
Psychometric testing and psychiatric consultation will be available, as necessary, through The San Francisco Headache Clinic.
Psychological and support counseling will be provided, when necessary, by The San Francisco Headache Clinic's professional staff.
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What happens during visits to The San Francisco Headache Clinic?
The initial evaluation at The San Francisco Headache Clinic includes a detailed medical and headache history, as well as a complete neurological
examination. Previous records, X-rays, laboratory tests, diagnoses, and treatment will be reviewed with the patient, and any additional testing which may be necessary will be ordered at the time of the initial
visit.
Headache treatment is usually initiated at the time of the first visit. Follow-up visits at appropriate regular intervals will be encouraged. The
frequency of such visits depends on each individual patient's condition.
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What about phone calls?
Patients of The San Francisco Headache Clinic are encouraged to report any and all side effects of medications, as well as other problems related
to the headache condition. Calls should be made between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Calls will be returned on the same day whenever possible. A 24-hour answering service is available. During weekends,
and after office hours, only emergency calls will be taken.
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What about medication refills?
Refills for medications can be requested by the patient's pharmacy during office hours. No refill requests will be honored after office hours or on
weekends.
All medication taken by clinic patients must be reported at the time of the first visit. Analgesics and narcotics ordered by other physicians must
be promptly reported to The San Francisco Headache Clinic. Failure to report any and all medications being used by the patient and those prescribed by other physicians will necessitate the termination of the
patient's relationship with the Clinic.
No narcotics are stored at The San Francisco Headache Clinic. No injectable medications are administered. Narcotic prescriptions are issued only in
the most emergent of situations, and are never administered by the Clinic on a chronic basis.
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What about hospitalization?
Hospitalization is rarely necessary for the establishment of a proper diagnosis of headache. However, in very rare instances, a brief hospital stay
may be necessary for appropriate diagnostic testing or intensive therapy.
Hospitalization may also be necessary for detoxification from analgesic or narcotic medications previously used, as The San Francisco Headache
Clinic discourages the habitual use of any harmful or addictive medication.
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What
are The San Francisco Headache Clinic's fees?
Information
regarding fee schedule, financial and insurance arrangements can
be obtained by calling The San Francisco Headache Clinic. We are
not a participating provider with any insurance companies except
for Medicare. The fees are the responsibility of each individual
patient and paid at the time of each visit. Please check with
your individual plan regarding coverage.
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What headache studies are currently being conducted?
We are currently conducting approximately 10 studies for the acute treatment of headache as well as for headache prophylaxis. We have new
studies starting all the time. All studies require volunteers who suffer from common or classic migraine headache. Previous medical records may be required.
Criteria regarding number of headaches per month and current medications must be met. Volunteers should be in stable medical condition and should call the Clinic for a complimentary screening.
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How can I contact The San Francisco Headache Clinic?
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