HeadWise HeadWise: Volume 6, Issue | Page 23

Certification of Added Qualification in Headache Medicine

Erick Ward National Headache Foundation
Chicago , IL
Headache disorders are the most common neurological disorders , affecting more than 90 percent of Americans . Despite the disease ’ s prevalence , only 416 physicians had received sub-specialty certification in headache medicine by the United Council of Neurologic Subspecialties , as late as 2014 . The vast difference between the number of patients and the number of certified providers makes it difficult for patients to find and be seen by a headache specialist . The National Headache Foundation ( NHF ) recognized the inadequate number of qualified headache care providers , and the NHF believes many health care professionals are not being properly recognized for their competency in headache medicine .
The NHF has developed a program intended to better serve headache and migraine sufferers across the country . The Certificate of Added Qualification ( CAQ ) in Headache Medicine was reinstated to establish the standards for headache practice and assist those with headache in locating clinicians who could provide optimal headache-related care .
The requirements to obtain a subspecialty in headache medicine have become more restrictive , preventing many headache specialists from obtaining certification or receiving acknowledgement for their work , experience , and abilities in headache medicine . It also limited the pool of providers for patients seeking help from a headache specialist . The NHF also recognized that , in addition to physicians , other health care providers should be acknowledged for their expertise and experience in headache care . Eligibility for CAQ includes physicians ( MD and DO ), advanced nurse practitioners , physician assistants , dentists , and clinical psychologists .
In October , 2015 , the NHF executed the first CAQ exam since its reinstatement . Fourteen headache specialists are now added to the list of those certified in headache medicine – seven who would not have been eligible for other available certifications .
One recipient of CAQ , Christina Treppendahl , FNP- BC has been involved in headache medicine for 6 years and started her own practice , The Headache Center in Ridgeland , MS , in 2013 . Treppendahl , like all nurse practitioners , was not eligible for UCNS headache medicine certification . Treppendahl said , as an NP , she is accustomed to having to go further than physicians to prove her qualifications . With CAQ , Treppendahl and other NPs now have that opportunity . “ It ( CAQ ) reassures the patient that I have experience and a found knowledge in headache medicine ,” Treppendahl said .
Heather McCoy , DNP , another CAQ recipient , said she has been looking for a program such as CAQ from the day she graduated as an NP . “ This certification is very important to me ,” McCoy said . “ It legitimizes my expertise in headache medicine in a way that is recognized and accepted in both the medical and lay community via a very well-respected organization — the National Headache Foundation .”
Doctor McCoy spent 16 years working in neurosurgery and neurology , but has focused exclusively on headache medicine for the last 2 years . She is the owner and clinical director at the Integrative Headache Care , LLC , in Scottsdale , Arizona .
“ The CAQ is also important to me because it offers the non-neurologist a route to clinical expertise and recognition among medical and nursing colleagues .” McCoy said .
www . headaches . org | National Headache Foundation 23