Headache Clinic at UW Medical Center-Roosevelt

Spencer Turkel

The headache clinic (maybe UW Medicine in general) has improved a *lot* over the past few years, and I've changed my original 1 star review to a 5 since my most recent experiences have been perfect. Most recently, I decided I needed to visit again after my migraines started to become more frequent & intense. It was so easy this time! I didn't struggle to talk to a real human being - someone answered the phone the first time I called, and helped me get scheduled for an appointment 2 days later. I can't stress how much of a relief that was, compared to how difficult it was a few years back to actually get anybody to talk to me, and how difficult it was to get an appointment quickly. At the appointment, I spoke with PA Budica, who remembered me from our prior 3ish meetings over the past 4 years, and always has a pleasant demeanor. He answered all my questions patiently, asked clarifying questions as needed, and gave me great news about new treatment options that were available. It's the second time I've been pleasantly surprised to hear about a new/improved treatment option while visiting the clinic, and like the last time, I'm expecting it to make a huge difference in my quality of life. He explained in detail multiple options, and earned my trust by talking about what the latest research and community discussions suggest. Even if the option we went with doesn't seem to work, he offered an alternative that I could try as soon as I need it, without needing another appointment. Overall, I couldn't have asked for more. For anyone suffering from headaches of any kind, I'd recommend this clinic in a heartbeat. Original Review (1 star): They did exactly 0, after making me wait so long. Didn't even write out an oxygen prescription correctly. They call me nearly a year after my appointment claiming I owe them half a grand.

M Simmons

It can be a long wait to get in here, but I've heard that in the last year or so they've added more doctors. I've been to the Roosevelt and Bellevue locations and seen Dr. Murinova and Dr. Marcel Budica. I love both. They are kind, compassionate and have a genuine desire to help chronic migraine sufferers. They make no promises and present you with all of the research, data, anecdotal and factual information possible. I'm a body researcher. After dealing with multiple issues, I've learned to research EVERYTHING regarding whatever that issue is. Migraines are complex and individual. I didn't have a clue about medication overuse and low and behold, that was one of my issues. It was a painful, painful process to go through, but I went from daily migraines to a couple a month. After Aimovig came out, I was one of the super responders and went down to 1-2 migraines a month. These people are willing to fill out tons of paperwork, get you into trials, try to get you free samples. I feel that they go above and beyond with their time, energy and care. They aren't miracle workers and you still have to take care of yourself and do a lot of different things to see what will work, but they work with you. I don't know what kind of poor experiences the low star reviewers had, but I've had nothing but good experiences here even if it wasn't complete pain relief, I don't blame the doctors.

Daniel Davidson

Yes, I have to agree with the very low assessments here. Maybe they mean well, but are not in the least bit able to follow-up on simple, very important requests. I've waited Five Months for them to provide my insurance with a letter they wrote. That's it, they wrote the Prior Authorization letter in March, and it took Repeated emails, phone calls and face-to-face meetings for them to Finally send it in late August! And only after I've decided to contact the Washington Depth of Health Ombudsman. This is just so that my insurance can Start the process of determining if this incredibly helpful medical device will be covered! There is ZERO follow through. I write incredibly detailed emails, and they respond to things I'm Not Even Asking Them About -- or, waste time giving me information that I already told them we both have known about for months. Serious concerns about their basic competence. Further, they lack any medical curiosity Whatsoever. I have reported new, very concerning, severe stroke-like symptoms, with hours of paralysis, inability to speak, marked hearing loss in one ear and a very sharp increase in repeated falling, due to my legs muscles suddenly being unable to keep me standing. These full-body cluster migraines are Extremely Painful. To my family, they are very scary. But, my Doctor isn't concerned in the least. No matter how severe, atypical and rapid the onset of these new Sxs, he blows it off -- and says that since most of the symptoms pass when the migraine runs its course -- "It's just a migraine." I think these people are Dangerous!!!

Nutter Butter

Q: Had a appointment all made out by my dr. The time, date, etc then I get a call couple weeks later from the schedulest saying I need to reschedule my MRI? A: Because the ppl making the appointments can't see the ORDER # go through. SOLUTION: COMMUNICATION? The people making the appointments have to know about this there's no way their obvlivous to this. Makes me wonder how many of you have had to deal with this.