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Health Resources Hub / Joint Health / Fibromyalgia

Patient Communication and Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

Wendy Wright, DNP, highlights key elements for discussion with patients around their fibromyalgia diagnosis.

By Wendy Wright, DNP, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, FNAP  |  Published on September 5, 2024

5 min read

Video content above is prompted by the following:

  • How important is patient communication in the diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia?
  • Given the lack of specific tests for fibromyalgia, determining a diagnosis can be challenging. Please comment on the key diagnostic criteria that physicians can use to effectively differentiate fibromyalgia from other conditions with similar symptoms.
    • What information should patients come prepared with to help diagnose fibromyalgia?
  • How can patients and providers effectively work together to manage the range of fibromyalgia symptoms, particularly widespread pain and fatigue?
    • What tools or methods (e.g., symptom diaries, pain scales) do you recommend and find most useful for patients to track their symptoms?