How to Find a Fibromyalgia-Friendly Doctor

Fibromyalgia, aka FMS, a disease best diagnosed by a rheumatologist, presents multiple and diverse symptoms. There is no easy test to determine if you have the disease, but there now exists one test that can identify some people who have it. Recent research has discovered that fibromyalgia is caused by a sensitization of the central nervous system, causing symptoms similar to a variety of rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis and lupus. The American College of Rheumatology established diagnostic criteria in 1990, so that it is now possible for a rheumatologist to give a diagnosis of the disease.

Since a multidisciplinary approach to FMS is considered nowadays to be the best way to treat the disease, look for a rheumatologist who agrees with this method of dealing with FMS. A multidisciplinary approach is a team approach in which a rheumatologist works together with a medical psychologist, a physical therapist, a message therapist, and an exercise therapist. Check the list of rheumatologists that your insurance provider gives you. When you phone for an appointment, inquire if the doctor is still accepting your insurance.

The American College of Rheumatology maintains a website on the Internet, listing the names of members of their association by states, making it easy to find a rheumatologist in your area. If you are having a great deal of pain, you might want to consult a doctor who specializes in pain management. You could consult a neurologist to help with your pain, as that is one if their primary functions.