Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMain FM ProvidersOther ProvidersFinding ProvidersGetting a ReferralProvider-Patient Relationship
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Main FM Providers
Other Providers
Finding Providers
Getting a Referral
Provider-Patient Relationship
The first stop in diagnosing and treating FM is typically a primary care provider.Rheumatologists, pain specialists,mental health professionals, and other specialized care providers may also be part of a diagnostic and treatment plan for FM.
This article will discuss the kinds of providers who diagnose and treat FM, why a diagnosis may be delayed, how to find FM specialists and get referrals, and how to foster a good relationship with FM specialists.
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Providers Who Diagnose and Treat Fibromyalgia
The first point of contact for a person seeking an explanation for FM symptoms is their primary healthcare provider.
There are no specific, definitive tests for FM.
FM is diagnosed based on:
The healthcare provider may ask you to take surveys or questionnaires—such as the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) or the Widespread Pain Index and Symptom Severity Scale (WPI)—to better understand your symptoms.
To rule out conditions with similar symptoms, your healthcare provider may run other tests, such as blood or imaging tests.
Your primary care provider may diagnose FM and/or treat FM themselves, or they may make a referral to a specialist for a diagnosis, treatment, or both. Most commonly, this is arheumatologist.
What Is a Rheumatologist?A rheumatologist specializes in diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles, primarily arthritis. Although FM isnot a form of arthritisand does not cause damage to joints, muscles, or bones like arthritis can, rheumatologists treat it because of the similarity of symptoms.
What Is a Rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist specializes in diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles, primarily arthritis. Although FM isnot a form of arthritisand does not cause damage to joints, muscles, or bones like arthritis can, rheumatologists treat it because of the similarity of symptoms.
Other Providers Who Help People With Fibromyalgia
Other healthcare professionals who may be involved intreatment for FMinclude:
Why Might a Diagnosis Be Delayed?Because the symptoms of FM—such as pain and fatigue—are common to manyother health conditions, FM can be difficult to recognize. The lack of laboratory or imaging tests that can rule out or confirm FM contributes to the diagnostic challenges. It can take time for a healthcare provider to explore all of your symptoms and to rule out other possible causes for them before determining a diagnosis of FM.
Why Might a Diagnosis Be Delayed?
Because the symptoms of FM—such as pain and fatigue—are common to manyother health conditions, FM can be difficult to recognize. The lack of laboratory or imaging tests that can rule out or confirm FM contributes to the diagnostic challenges. It can take time for a healthcare provider to explore all of your symptoms and to rule out other possible causes for them before determining a diagnosis of FM.
How Do You Find Fibromyalgia Specialists in Your Area?
The National Fibromyalgia Association providesinformation for finding FM resources and specialists, including tools to see reviews of specific doctors.
The American College of Rheumatology offersa directoryto search for licensed rheumatologists in the United States and internationally.
Getting Referrals for Fibromyalgia
If you have a primary care provider, start with that provider when seeking a diagnosis or treatment for FM. If they do not have knowledge orexperience with FM, they may refer you to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist. You can also ask them for a referral to a specialist if they don’t offer one.
When looking for a primary care provider or specialist to help you manage your FM, finding the right fit is key. Talking to others with FM in your area about their experience with providers can be a great resource. Support groups can be helpful for this.
Remember that you don’t have to go with the first provider you see. It is OK tochange providersif you don’t feel one is a good fit.
It can be helpful to ask your potential providers questions such as:
Your Relationship With Fibromyalgia Specialists
Communication between you and your FM healthcare provider is key for both the diagnostic and treatment processes.
It’s important to be as clear and accurate as possible about your symptoms, personal andfamily medical histories, medications (including thevitamins or supplementsyou are taking), and anything else your healthcare provider might need to know.
It can be helpful to write down this information before your appointment to be sure you don’t miss anything.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Writing these down before your appointment is also a good idea. Questions you might ask could include:
You may also find it helpful to:
If there is something you aren’t sure of or don’t fully understand, ask for clarification.
Summary
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Family Physicians.Fibromyalgia.Harvard Health.Getting the best treatment for your fibromyalgia.Arthritis Foundation.Testing for fibromyalgia.The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Fibromyalgia: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.RUSH University Medical Center.Fibromyalgia.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Fibromyalgia.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Family Physicians.Fibromyalgia.Harvard Health.Getting the best treatment for your fibromyalgia.Arthritis Foundation.Testing for fibromyalgia.The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Fibromyalgia: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.RUSH University Medical Center.Fibromyalgia.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Fibromyalgia.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Fibromyalgia.Harvard Health.Getting the best treatment for your fibromyalgia.Arthritis Foundation.Testing for fibromyalgia.The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Fibromyalgia: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.RUSH University Medical Center.Fibromyalgia.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Fibromyalgia.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Fibromyalgia.
Harvard Health.Getting the best treatment for your fibromyalgia.
Arthritis Foundation.Testing for fibromyalgia.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Fibromyalgia: diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.
RUSH University Medical Center.Fibromyalgia.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Fibromyalgia.
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