G P Management

G P Management

Fibromyalgia (FMS) management in General Practice Clinics uses a chronic disease model, including Care Planning, Patient-Centred Targeted Assessments and Integrated Management (Australian GP Allied Health Continuous Care). Medicare funds annual care plans and reviews

General Practitioners and Practice Nurses work with patients to plan and coordinate care, organise referrals to Allied Health and other services and set up Team Care Arrangements, as well as provide documentation for Centrelink and disability services.

Early Intervention improves outcomes. Care is tailored for each individual.

Effective management of Fibromyalgia starts with a correct diagnosis. Diagnosis involves a history looking at widespread pain over time. Significant other symptoms include fatigue and sleep disturbance.

Useful Diagnostic Assessment Tools download here

  1. 2011 Fibromyalgia Michigan Body Map diagnostic tool
  2. Fibromyalgia Questionnaire, Hauser, 2012
  3. Fibromyalgia Canadian Multisystem Questionnaire, 2005

Management includes an integrated combination of the following:

  • Accurate Diagnosis as well as identifying other overlapping conditions is the first step
  • Education: One of the most important components of treatment. People with FMS need to understand their condition in order to actively participate in deciding an appropriate treatment plan for their individual circumstances. This includes goal setting, targets and tailored coping strategies.
  • Shared care supported by Monitoring and Feedback: Patients are encouraged to keep a journal and to monitor their symptoms so they can better communicate with their provider team.
  • Care planning and referrals to Allied Health (including physiotherapy, advice on sleep and diet, access to psychologists, and to education programs) (Medicare Item 721).
  • Annual Care Plan Review: Review of Care Plan (Medicare Item 732) and review of treatment and referral outcomes which can support incorporating those results into the patient’s next care plan.

For more information see