The difference between satisfaction and disappointment is a question of meeting your expectations. By the same token, your doctor has certain expectations of you in order to help you with your problem headaches. The ideal working relationship is where you respect each other's expectations.

These are reasonable patient expectations of the physician


You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity.

You need to feel that your symptoms are being considered valid and not superfluous.

You need to not feel you are being treated as if your headaches are neurotic in origin.

All decisions need to be made with your best interest in mind.

You must feel that there is a "next step" at the end of each encounter.

You need to feel that there is an overall plan and endpoint.

You need to know that your doctors are communicating with each other to coordinate your care.

You need to not be overcharged because you are desperate and in pain.

You need to not be exposed to unnecessary testing for financial gain.

You need to sense that your doctor and staff is truly interested in getting you a safe and desirable outcome.

You need to feel that your questions are being answered to your satisfaction.

Reasonable physician expectations of the patient

that you truly wish to get better and that there is no secondary gain

that you are honestly reporting your symptoms and history without withholding anything

that you are following instructions and suggestions as closely as possible

that you are taking medications exactly as prescribed

that you are getting all requested tests within the planned time frame

that you are not missing appointments

that you are not rescheduling except in dire emergency

that you are not abusing the emergency paging system

that you are not seeking narcotics or other controlled substances

that you are not using medications or illegal drugs without their knowledge

that you are not using alcohol without their knowledge

that you are accurately describing your symptoms without playing them up or down

that you are truthfully reporting any side effects

-Return to headache survival guide

© Edmund Messina MD 2002