There is no one who understands how migraine disease impacts a person's daily life more than someone living with migraine. Our aim is to get a direct perspective from the migraine community on the use of medical devices, treatments, insurance coverage challenges, and how this disease affects their quality of life. The survey results are shared with migraine patients and medical providers, shedding light on this debilitating condition, as well as being utilized to help effect payor and policy change for improved access to treatment options.
On this page you can find the current survey that is open to participants, as well as summary reports on previous surveys. Take our new patient survey now!
See a Doctor for Migraine? Share Your Experience with Us!
This survey is being conducted to better understand the experience people with migraine have seeing doctors and other healthcare providers for migraine treatment. The survey is open to any adult (18+) in the USA, who has migraine 1 or more days per month, and who currently sees a doctor or other healthcare provider for migraine.
COMPLETE THIS SURVEY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A MIGRAINE PRODUCT!
Your input is invaluable, and we want to say thank you by entering those who fully complete the survey into a drawing for one of TEN free migraine products!
- Grand Prize (x 1): Coupon towards Avulux glasses ($335 value)
- 2nd Prizes (x 2): zDen Light-Blocking Solution ($90 value)
- Runner Up Prizes (x 7): migraine ice hat OR Norb Relief Green Lightbulb ($18-22 value)
Thank You to Our 2024 Product Sponsors!
Avulux is the lens technology company behind Avulux Migraine & Light Sensitivity lenses. Avulux lenses are the world’s only clinically proven lenses designed for people with migraine and light sensitivity. These patented lenses block up to 97% of the most harmful blue, amber, and red light while allowing over 70% of soothing green light through. Wearing Avulux lenses to filter light, as part of a healthy lifestyle, may help people living with migraine.
Summary Reports for Patient Surveys
Migraine Patient Experience with Doctors
This survey was conducted to better understand the healthcare provider experience for people with migraine. The results indicate that overall, patients are satisfied with the level of care they are receiving from their chosen providers. However, the percentage of satisfaction increases with more specialized practitioners. For example, 59% of those seeing a PCP for migraine care report they are satisified with the overall quality of care they are receiving. This number increases to 70% for those seeing general neurologists, and 89% for those seeing certified headache specialists. This may mean that while the quality of care some are receiving is satisfactory, it could be better. This trend is also true for the quality of the relationship patients have with their respective providers, with one exception being that those who see PCPs for migraine care find it easier to get in touch with their provider with questions/concerns.
Prior Authorizations and Non-Medical Switching for Migraine
This survey was conducted to better understand the experience people with migraine have with insurance delays and denials due to prior authorizations and non-medical switching. 64% of respondents reported experiencing prior authorization requirements, and 33% experienced both prior authorization and non-medical switching. One respondent stated, “[Delays in treatment access impacted my] ability to feel like I could keep going, to feel like I mattered, and to mentally and physically be able to function even on a small scale.” Click to read more from our summary report.
NOTE: This survey was a partnership between Migraine Meanderings and The Headache & Migraine Policy Forum.
Step Therapy for Migraine
Often, medical providers prescribe medications that are denied by insurance companies. Prior to covering the new medication, the insurance company requires that you try the preferred list of medications. In most cases, these medications are less expensive or have been on the market for a longer period of time. This is called Step Therapy. We conducted this survey to better understand how Step Therapy has impacted migraine treatment and patient quality of lives. One respondent shared, "Step therapy, imposed by the insurance company, is a conflict of interest and an interruption of the relationship
between the doctor and patient who know better what the patient needs." Click to read more from the summary report.
NOTE: This survey was a partnership between Migraine Meanderings and The Headache & Migraine Policy Forum.
Medical Devices for Migraine
This survey was conducted to better understand if and how people with migraine and other headache disorders are using medical devices, and what the primary challenges faced are. 326 respondents were gathered through social media and email.
About 46% of respondents have tried to get a medical device covered by their insurance, although most insurance companies do not provide coverage for these devices. One respondent shared, “My daughter and I would love to try a medical device for migraine but they are cost-prohibitive.” Click to read more from the summary report.
NOTE: This survey was a partnership between Migraine Meanderings and The Headache & Migraine Policy Forum.
Migraine in the ER and Urgent Care
This online survey was conducted to better understand the experience people with migraine have in the emergency room and urgent care. 500 responses were gathered via social media and email.
88% of respondents went to the ER or an urgent care facility due to lack of access to a healthcare professional who could treat their migraine. One respondent shared, “The treatment for migraine in ER/UC is complicated by our overstressed medical system and the fact that there are some who seek inappropriate treatment without adequate follow up.”
NOTE: This survey was a partnership between Migraine Meanderings and The Headache & Migraine Policy Forum.
Combination Therapy for Migraine
This survey was conducted to better understand the experience people with migraine have with combination therapy for migraine. 516 responses were gathered via social media and email.
On average, 60% of respondents report having 15 migraine days or more a month. One respondent stated, “Having to meet specific criteria in order to access certain types of drugs scripted by my team of professionals is frustrating. They recommend a specific treatment and I can't follow it until I jump through insurance hoops. Insurance companies should not be able to dictate medical steps in my journey to treat my chronic illness. My team of dedicated professionals and I should have a much bigger say in the steps I take.” Click to read more from our summary report.
NOTE: This survey was a partnership between Migraine Meanderings and The Headache & Migraine Policy Forum.
