Finding a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Doctor

The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) estimates that only about 20% of chronic fatigue syndrome patients have been diagnosed and while many physicians now know about chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) many don't know specifically how to diagnose it.

Finding a Knowledgeable Doctor.  Because doctor's knowledgeable in chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are still rare it's important that people who believe they may have this disease find one. Some patients spend exorbitant amounts of money being sent from specialist to specialist before they are finally diagnosed.. While a  diagnosis can be somewhat complicated the CDC believes this kind of long drawn out process is unnecessary:

“CFS can be diagnosed in a primary care setting. Referring patients to various specialists just to confirm a CFS diagnosis is costly and unnecessary”

Peter Rowe, M.D. Johns Hopkins Medical School.

Fortunately, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) physicians report that once one becomes familiar with the disease it's easy to recognize; no other disorder presents such a dramatic combination of physical and mental fatigue, sleep and concentration problems, etc..

Chronic fatigue syndrome  (ME/CFS) physicians can often be found by contacting a local support group for information. The CFIDS Association of America provides a  lists of CFS support groups on its website. The ProHealth and CFSFMExperimental chat groups are also good sources of information.

The Fibro-Fatigue Centers - For the first time a group of clinics focused specifically on treating ME/CFS and fibromyalgia has been created. Modeled on Dr. Holtorf's protocol the Fibro-Fatigue Centers were created by a business who recovered under Dr. Holtorf's care. Dr. Teitelbaum, a well-known physician and author became their national medical director in 2006. As of December, 2007 sixteen centers across the U.S. had been created. One of the Google Ads on the right probably features the Fibro-Fatigue Centers.

Holistic Health Physicians - An increasing number of M.D.'s utilize both traditional and alternative therapies. Every major city and many smaller ones contain 'holistic' health oriented M.D.'s who are well acquainted with ME/CFS. The American Board of Holistic Medicine may be able to help you find one in your area.

Dr. Teitelbaum's Computerized Personal Treatment Program - For a modest fee you can create your own personalized treatment program based on Dr. Teitelbaum's protocols. Two programs are possible; a more expensive long form you can use to educate your physician about your case and a less expensive shorter form for your use. 

You simply fill in medical history and symptom forms and lab test information and the computer does the rest. You will be provided with a list of probable factors that may contribute to your illness and a list of natural and prescription remedies that may be helpful.

   Finding A Physician / Before The Visit / Assessing Your Physician / Educating Your Physician / Treatment Intro

The Phoenix Rising website is compiled by a layman. It is not a substitute for a physician and is for informational uses only. Please discuss any treatments in these pages with your physician.

The Phoenix Rising website is compiled by a layman. It is not a substitute for a physician and is for informational uses only. Please discuss any treatments in these pages with your physician.