Abstract
There has been controversy and conflicting opinions between experts on how best to assess, diagnose and treat patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Most often the diagnosis is made by a rheumatologist or pain specialist. Some experts suggest that tender point counts are absolutely essential, and others have suggested that chronic pain and associated symptoms outside the musculoskeletal system are more relevant. One of the problems primary care providers have with the use of tender points is that they require a significant amount of time to perform and specific training to master them. The first intention of this project is to review the most current literature regarding the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia for use in the primary care setting. The second and primary intention is to outline the Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FiRST), a patient-completed questionnaire used to simplify as well as expedite the proper diagnosis and management of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)
