How to Find Good Fibromyalgia Doctors

If you suffer from fibromyalgia (FM) but feel that your current doctor does not have sufficient knowledge of your condition and is uncompassionate, it’s time to find a fibromyalgia specialist. Unfortunately, finding a doctor who specializes in treating fibromyalgia can be easier said then done. The reason is because many health care providers find fibromyalgia difficult to diagnose. This is exceptionally true for doctors who are unaware that the condition exists.

The first aspect you need to understand is that the term fibromyalgia specialists is not the medical title of the specialists you are looking for. The doctors who are often the best choice for treating and diagnosing fibromyalgia are:

• Rheumatologists (pronounced “room-a-tall-uh-jist”) – A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, such as arthritis.
• Physiatrists (pronounced “fizz-ee-at-trist”) – A physician who specializes in rehabilitation and physical medicine.
• Internists – A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of internal organs in the body, but also provides primary care for others.
• Anaesthesiologists (pronounced “an-us-thee-ze-all-uh-jist”) – A physician who specializes in administering drugs such as anaesthetic typically before, during, and after surgery. They may also be a specialist who is consulted in nerve block treatment for arthritis pain.
• Neurologists – A physician who specializes in diagnosis and treating nervous system disorders.
• Other pain specialists

Although the above medical specialists may be ideal fibromyalgia doctors, don’t expect this of every doctor you meet. For instance, not all rheumatologists will specialize in diagnosing and treating fibromyalgia. Therefore, although you know the types of doctors who are most likely to help you with your condition, often the best way to locate a fibromyalgia specialist is through the help of others.

The following are the best methods you can employ for your search in locating a fibromyalgia specialists -

• Support group – get in touch with a fibromyalgia support group either locally or online and find out what doctors the other members see. You should also find out the ones they’ve seen in the past and disliked to find out why you should avoid these doctors. To find a support group visit the National Fibromyalgia Association website at fmaware.org

• Other resources – It’s not a bad idea to talk with people who suffer from other immune deficiency disorders such as those with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc., and find out what physicians they see.

• Find fibromyalgia friendly doctors online – you can conduct your own local search by using your city and “fibromyalgia specialist” or “fibromyalgia doctor” as the keywords. Another great place to look for FM doctors is at the National Fibromyalgia Association website and WebMd at my.webmd.com

• Check out the legitimacy of the doctor – Once you have a name of a few doctors you are interested in, you need to ensure that this individual is a qualified and reputable medical practitioner. You should never be treated by an unlicensed doctor. The following are ways to determine the legitimacy of the doctor:
- Check to see if he/she is part of the American Medical Association by conducting a search at ama-assn.org
- Check to see if the doctor is “board certified” by visiting certifieddoctor.org
- Check to see if the doctor has been disciplined for an offence by visiting Medi-Net at askmedi.com

• Contact your insurance company – make sure you find out what physicians will accept your insurance plan.

• Make a list of important questions – Before you meet with a physician be sure to have a list of questions you want to ask such as how many fibromyalgia patients he/she treats, and their feelings regarding specific treatments, etc.

Continue your search until you find the fibromyalgia specialist you are comfortable with and have confidence in. Remember, it’s up to you to find the right specialist for you.

By: Jane Thompson

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