What to expect before and at your first appointment.
Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers, Inc. (FFC) understands your concerns and we want to help you make your first appointment as easy and positive as possible. Our National Patient Representatives are trained to answer any and all of your questions. Call toll-free 1-866-443-4276 for more information.
Before your first appointment, consider the most commonly asked questions:
- How much time is spent with the doctor? You should plan for a minimum of one hour with the physician for your initial appointment. Be on time and be prepared by making a list of questions for the physician and bringing that to the appointment. It is important that you are well rested and comfortable and open to dialogue with your physician.
- Will paperwork be required in advance of the appointment day? Once your appointment is made, you will be mailed an extensive 24-page questionnaire. Completion of this questionnaire is extremely important to our evaluation process. Please complete the form in its entirety (before your appointment) and bring it with you to your first appointment. If you fail to bring this questionnaire with you to your first appointment, your appointment will have to be re-scheduled.
- How important are previous medical records or past tests? Our review of your past medical records (that relate to your condition) and results of past tests is an essential component to your overall evaluation. Also include alternative therapy discussions and their success or failure.
- Will lab tests be performed on the first appointment? If yes, what should be done to prepare for them such as fasting, staying off of medications, etc.? Lab tests will most likely* be performed during your first appointment. In preparation, please do not take any thyroid medication the day of your appointment. For a morning appointment, do not eat, but drink plenty of water. For an afternoon appointment, only eat a small low-fat breakfast with skim milk or water. Depending on your physician’s findings at the time of your visit, they may decide to proceed with all of the tests or choose to have you complete a small number of tests on another day.
- Is a referral from another physician necessary? If your insurance carrier requires a referral, you may download our referral form, have completed and faxed to the Center prior to your appointment.
- What if rescheduling is necessary? Please notify the Center at least 48 hours in advance should you need to reschedule an appointment.
- Is payment expected at the first visit? Payment is expected at the time services are rendered. We will provide you with a completed billing statement for submission to your health insurance company. Cost will vary dependent upon the services provided. Please call toll free 1-866-443-4276 for a fee schedule.
- If supplements are suggested as part of the individualized maintenance plan, where can they be purchased? Supplements are many times an important and necessary part of the individualized maintenance plan and can be acquired in various ways: (1) order on-line at www.fibroandfatigue.com/store (FFC store), (2) call toll-free 1-866-367-2343, or (3) call the Center visited.
On appointment day:
- Allow a minimum of 1 hour with the physician, plus time for lab work.
- Do not eat, but drink plenty of water to prepare for lab work. See question/answer above for detailed instruction based on appointment time. In rare cases, lab tests may be delayed on day of appointment.
- Expect a short physical examination by the physician to benchmark your condition and assess the sensitivity of the traditional tender points.
- Additional lab tests may be ordered based on discussion during the appointment.
- Begin feeling hopeful and more optimistic about the steps you’ve taken towards wellness!
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