What to expect before and during your first appointment

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What to expect before and during 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 to spend a minimum of one hour with our clinical staff for your initial appointment, plus additional time for lab work. Be on time and be prepared by making a list of questions for the physician and bringing the list to the appointment. It is important to be well rested, 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 do not bring this questionnaire with you, 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, be sure to provide alternative therapy information, including information about the success or failure of these treatments.

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, all of the tests may be performed that day or a small number of tests may be completed on another day.

Is a referral from another physician necessary?
If your insurance carrier requires a referral, you may download our referral form and have it 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 a completed billing statement for submission to your health insurance company. Costs vary, depending on 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 often 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 our clinical staff, plus additional time for lab work.
• Do not eat, but drink plenty of water to prepare for lab work. See questions/answers above for detailed instructions based on appointment time. In rare cases, lab tests may be delayed.
• Expect a brief 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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