Let's see:

* Dramatic but inconsistent medical history NO

* Unclear symptoms that are not controllable and that become more severe or change once treatment has begun AT TIMES

* Predictable relapses following improvement in the condition VERY POSSIBLY

* Extensive knowledge of hospitals and/or medical terminology, as well the textbook descriptions of illnesses OH FOR SURE

* Presence of multiple surgical scars NOPE

* Appearance of new or additional symptoms following negative test results SOMETIMES

* Presence of symptoms only when the patient is alone or not being observed OF COURSE

* Willingness or eagerness to have medical tests, operations, or other procedures YOU BET!

* History of seeking treatment at numerous hospitals, clinics, and doctors offices, possibly even in different cities THAT'S WHY I'M HERE

* Reluctance by the patient to allow health care professionals to meet with or talk to family, friends, or prior health care providers NO

* Problems with identity and self-esteem NOT REALLY

So that could give me a score of 7/11 if administered by unsympathetic hands. (And I totally agree with Roz, you have to be very careful in going for the Mayo. That said, I think there is a lot of interdepartmental variation.)

Mike