Finding a physician versed in fibromyalgia is not always
easy. Many a doctor or physician has difficulty
diagnosing fibromyalgia and some do not even know that
the illness exists.
Fibromyalgia doctor and specialist health care providers
are found scattered across several different
disciplines. Rheumatologists, physiatrists and pain
specialists are the physicians who most commonly
specialize in treating fibromyalgia. Other fibromyalgia
specialists may be internists, anesthesiologists,
neurologists, or belong to other specialties.
However, there is a wide variation of expertise and
training in treating fibromyalgia patients among
individual health care providers. Fibromyalgia support
group members may be able to guide you when looking for
a health care provider in your area. Other people with
fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome, Lupus or other immune deficiency syndromes is
a resource.
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Below are two good resources for finding a fibromyalgia
doctor, physician or specialist;
WebMD has physician finder by specialty and region at:
http://my.webmd.com/find_a_phys/doctor
The American College of Rheumatology members at:
http://www.rheumatology.org/directory/geo.asp
Once you have the name of a physician or two, you will
want to get basic background information about them. Is
the doctor licensed? Is the physician board certified?
Has the fibromyalgia specialist ever been sued for
malpractice? Is the doctor in your insurance plan?
Next, you will want to speak with the office managers of
the selected doctor to find out how they feel about
fibromyalgia. Among other questions you want to consider
asking, you will want to ask; "Is the doctor familiar
with fibromyalgia? Does the doctor diagnose
fibromyalgia? Does the physician treat fibromyalgia? How
many fibromyalgia patients does the doctor have?”
Before making your first appointment, check up on the
selected physician or specialist. Below are three good
resources;
American Medical Association (AMA): You can find a
doctor’s educational background and areas of medical
specialty and whether or not the doctor is a member of
the AMA.
Website: www.ama-assn.org
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American Board of Medical Specialties will reveal
whether a doctor is board certified or board eligible in
a particular area. If a doctor is “Board certified,” he
or she has completed two additional years of training
and passed a national examination. If the doctor is
“Board eligible,” he or she has completed the training,
but has not completed testing.
http://certifieddoctor.org/
Medi-Net accesses databases from the American Medical
Association, three federal agencies and all 50 state
medical boards to provide basic background information
on a doctor. Medi-Net can reveal whether the doctor has
been disciplined for billing fraud, over-prescribing,
incompetence or other offenses. There is a fee for this
service.
http://www.askmedi.com/
Be
prepared for your first visit by bringing a list of your
symptoms and medications, along with any questions you
might have for the doctor. Many people find that keeping
a symptom diary helps. Ask questions and answer
questions fully. Write things down.
Compassion and understanding, good bedside manner and an
open mind are qualities needed for a good working
relationship with your fibromyalgia specialist. If your
doctor cannot adequately address your fibromyalgia or
you are not comfortable with their level of care and
concern, seek help elsewhere. It is your body and your
health. It is your responsibility to find the right
physician or specialist to guide you through the
management of your fibromyalgia.
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