MOVING FORWARD: FIBROMYALGIA PATIENTS IN PRIMARY CARE
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain syndrome that affects up to five percent of the American population. Common symptoms include muscle and joint pain, stiffness, fatigue, headaches, and irregular sleep patterns. The syndrome primarily occurs in young and middle-aged women, but men and children develop the illness as well. Diagnosis is also high among people with existing chronic illnesses. Although the majority of Fibromyalgia patients in Primary Care are women, they come from all backgrounds and span all ages.
Unfortunately, the cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown. This ambiguity presents a challenge to traditional primary care settings.(1) Therefore, it is extremely important that patients stay educated and maintain good communication with their physicians and other healthcare professionals. One effective tool for both patients and practitioners is Medicare’s Chronic Care Management program(CPT 99490). Through proven patient engagement methods and information management, a ccp coordinator provides the guidance and synchronization to ensure effective treatment for Fibromyalgia patients.
