If you are seeking care in the United States and have insurance, it is important to know what type of insurance you have. Different insurance arrangements have different rules that govern what they will pay for.

• For example, some insurance requires that you have a referral from your primary care provider (for example, an HMO).
• Other insurance will only pay for services done by an in-network, also known as “contracted,” physician.

Call your insurance company.

1. Explain that you are trying to make an appointment with a neurologist to assess you for migraine.
2. Ask the insurance agent what you need to do for the visit to be reimbursed. Write down what they say on a piece of paper.
3. Also, at the end of the conversation, ask for the customer service agent’s name and ask if there’s an ID number for the conversation you just had. Write both of those down, along with the date and time of the call.
4. Lastly, if you don’t know how to access the directory of in-network providers, ask them to explain it to you and to give you the names and contact information of three in-network neurologists near you.

Even if your insurance doesn’t require a referral, tell your primary care physician’s office that you are seeking an appointment with a neurologist to help diagnose your headaches because you suspect they are migraine. It’s always good for your primary care doctor to be informed.

Ask if they have a neurologist they recommend, and add that person to your list of possibilities.

There are a few places to find directories.

1. Insurance companies will keep lists of their in-network providers, often in searchable directories. 
2. Websites like Zocdoc are options, and they often have information about which doctors accept which insurance.

If it’s an option, filter for those accepting new patients. Look for doctors who have one or more offices that you can physically get to easily, whether by car or public transit. See if they keep office hours that line up with your schedule. Notice if they seem to be connected to any of your other doctors or if they are in the same health system.

1. Call the office, and have your calendar and your insurance information ready.
2. Explain you’d like a new patient appointment. Provide a few details about the severity and frequency of your headaches, and explain your reason for the appointment (such as getting a diagnosis, a second opinion, or information on exploring new treatment options). Tell them if you have been referred or recommended by another doctor or patient.
3. Ask if they are in-network for your insurance. (You’ll need to have your insurance information.) If they are not in-network, ask if they can share their cash price, which gives you some idea of what it might cost you if insurance denies payment.

If they meet your criteria, ask about appointment availability. Their first appointment may not be for several months. Confirm an appointment for the first available time that works for your schedule. Let them know you’d like to be contacted if they have a cancellation for an earlier appointment.

It’s OK to repeat this process with a few more options from your list; you might find a provider who can see you much sooner. Just remember to call back to cancel any appointment you aren’t going to use.