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STUDY: Direct Medical Costs Are Double for Patients with Fibromyalgia

8 Jun

Following is an abstract from a published scientific article regarding medical costs associated with fibromyalgia and the impact of a brief multidisciplinary treatment program.  The four year medical cost statistics of fibromyalgia compared to control patients in the study group are staggering.  The total four-year medical costs for controls in the study were $7774 compared with $15,759 for those with fibromyalgia.  Part of the study’s hypothesis included comparing medical costs over a four year period after administration of a cognitive behavior therapy program.  The outcome of the study demonstrated that the increased cost in fibromyalgia medical care is related to the severity of symptoms and was not impacted by participation in a brief cognitive behavior therapy program.

STUDY: Direct medical costs in patients with fibromyalgia: Cost of illness and impact of a brief multidisciplinary treatment program.

The patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia incur about twice as much direct medical costs than that of non fibromyalgia patients, according to the results of a 4-year study by the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. The study was published in the January 2011 issue of the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

The objective of the study was to compare the direct medical costs of clinically diagnosed patients with fibromyalgia with the medical costs of matched controls during a 4-yr period and to assess the impact of a fibromyalgia treatment program on healthcare utilization and associated medical costs. The study compared economic outcomes in 87 patients who participated in a fibromyalgia treatment program between 2001 and 2004 and who were local residents for the entire 4-yr period spanning their participation in the program, with age and sex-matched controls.  Costs for the 2 yrs before and 2 yrs after program participation were also compared.

RESULTS: Four-year medical costs for controls were $7774 compared with $15,759 for those with fibromyalgia.  There was no significant change in direct costs after participation in a brief fibromyalgia treatment program.  Those with increased symptom severity averaged $2034 higher direct medical costs during the 4-yr period.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with clinically diagnosed fibromyalgia incur direct medical costs about twice that of their matched controls.  This increased cost is related to the severity of their symptoms as measured by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and was not impacted by participation in a brief cognitive behaviorally based fibromyalgia treatment program.

All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia rides again in Race Across the West – June 15, Oceanside, CA

3 May

All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia and NFA staff members before 2010 Race Across America.

The champion team, All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia, will be hitting the road once again to raise funds and awareness for the National Fibromyalgia Association. This time, AW4F, which finished in first place in the 4-person mixed category and second place overall in last year’s Race Across America 3,000-mile competition, will be racing in Race Across the West (RAW).

This is one of the most challenging bicycle races and the second longest endurance cycling race in the United States. The route is about 860 miles long, passing through 4 states and climbing over 40,000 feet.

Lynne Matallana, NFA president and founder, will be at the starting line at the Oceanside Pier in Oceanside, California to send off the two AW4F riders on June 15th. RAW ends in the Rockies of Durango, Colorado.  The 2-racers will cover the distance in 2+ days, averaging 350 to over 500 miles per day, using a relay format and race 24 hours a day.

In 2010, All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia partnered with the National Fibromyalgia Association and select sponsors to raise funds and awareness of fibromyalgia.

Read their amazing story and last year’s win here: “First place! Supporters of All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia “gave us that ‘oomph’ to keep going!”

If you would like to donate and support the All Wheels 4 Fibromyalgia in Race Across the West, please send your tax deductible donations to:

National Fibromyalgia Association
1000 Bristol Street N #17-247
Newport Beach, CA 92660-8916
Attention: RAW


R&B Star Tony Terry to Perform at National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

5 May

R&B singer Tony Terry, will perform a special concert at the National Fibromyalgia Association’s (NFA) National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day on Saturday, May 15.

Terry will perform during the “Lights of Hope” candle-lighting ceremony. Terry, whose wife Ronnie, has fibromyalgia, is the NFA’S new spokeperson.  He is hoping to bring awareness of fibromyalgia by telling his own story as a caregiver, husband and father. Last November he appeared on the “Mo’nique” Show where he talked about fibromyalgia and advised others who may be caring for a loved one with chronic pain illnesses.

At the concert, Terry will also debut a new song from the National Fibromyalgia Association dedicated especially to the over 10 million people affected by fibromyalgia in the U.S. and 3-5 percent worldwide.

For more information on National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day and Terry’s upcoming performance, click here.

This is an excerpt from an event listing in the Los Angeles Wave published on Tuesday, May 4.  To read the full listing, click here.

In the News: Make Fibromyalgia Visible May 12

3 May

The National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) is encouraging organizations worldwide to make fibromyalgia visible by increasing awareness and understanding during Fibromyalgia Awareness Day on May 12. Allsup, a nationwide provider of Social Security disability representation and Medicare services is offering free posters to support the observance and provide information on the syndrome that affects an estimated five million Americans…

Allsup works with hundreds of individuals with fibromyalgia each year and appreciates the challenges they face in dealing with an often misunderstood and misdiagnosed condition. Fibromyalgia is often referred to as “invisible” because you can’t see pain. People sometimes have a difficult time believing a person with a healthy appearance and positive outlook can be experiencing profound symptoms and limitations.

This is an excerpt from a press release posted on PR Web on Monday, May 3 by Karen Hercules-Doerr and Corin Ramons. Click here to read the full story.

Mom with Fibromyalgia is Inspiration Behind New Theme Song Adopted by National Fibromyalgia Association

27 Apr

 

ANAHEIM, Calif — (26 April 2010) –” When your Italian mother tells you to write a song for her, you just do it!”

Christian recording artist Pasquale Talarico laughs when he recalls how he came to write “Vigil Song” at the request of his mother, Phyllis almost a year ago. According to Pasquale, his mother wanted a special song to play during last May’s National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day event hosted by the North Orange County Fibromyalgia Support Group, which Phyllis founded in 2000, and Cal State Fullerton’s Fibromyalgia Research & Education Center.

“She didn’t like any of the CDs I brought her, so she asked me a few days before the event at Cal State Fullerton to ‘just write a song,’” Pasquale smiled.

But, his young voice turns serious when he talks about fibromyalgia, the chronic pain illness that has affected his mother since her diagnosis in 2000.

“I wrote ‘Vigil Song’ for my mom,” explained Pasquale. “I’ve seen her struggles with fibromyalgia, and it can be very debilitating. But, my mom told me to write a song that’s about celebrating and embracing, well, life, just like she does! She is an amazing woman, and an even more amazing mother.”

Pasquale Talarico has been a singer-songwriter for over 15 years in both local music acts and national bands. He is currently the Director of Campus Ministry at Servite High School in Anaheim, and also the Coordinator of Worship at the school, as well as an active worship leader in the Catholic Church.

“Vigil Song” was recently adopted by the National Fibromyalgia Association as their official theme song and was re-recorded by National R&B Recording Artist Tony Terry to be performed on a national level.

On May 15, Terry and Talarico will sing “Vigil Song” at the National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day Walk of FAME and Wellness Fair and Concert hosted by the NFA and Cal State Fullerton’s Research & Education Center.  For more information on the National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day event at Cal State Fullerton, click here.

For more information about Pasquale Talarico, visit his website at www.PasqualeTalarico.com.

Neurologist Victor Rosenfeld Discusses Sleep & Fibromyalgia

24 Apr

Earlier today, the NFA coordinated a Blog Talk Radio interview with Dr. Victor Rosenfeld, who is Board Certified in Neurology and Sleep Medicine and is the Medical Director for Sleepmed of Santa Barbara. He has published numerous medical articles on topics in Sleep Medicine and Sleep Electrophysiology. He is a frequent medical lecturer on a broad range of disease states including Sleep Apnea, Restless Legs, Narcolepsy, Fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy, Neuro-virology, and Migraine. His current research interest is in Chronic Pain and Fatigue and its relationship to sleep.

 This Blog Talk Radio interview also features Sue Ingebretson, author of the new book, “FibroWHYalgia.” Both Dr. Rosenfeld and Ms. Ingebretson will be speaking at the National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day event on May 15, 2010 at Cal State Fullerton. 

 Click here to listen to the show!

NFA President Lynne Matallana Talks About Awareness Day

21 Apr

Lynne Matallana, president and founder of the National Fibromyalgia Association, spoke on Blog Talk Radio yesterday about how to “Make Fibromyalgia Visible,” the NFA’s theme for this year’s National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, commemorated on May 12.

 Joining Lynne was Professor Jessie Jones, co-director of the Fibromyalgia Research and Education Center at California State University, Fullerton, which is also co-sponsoring National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day “Walk of FAME” with the NFA on May 15 at the campus. 

Click here to listen to the Blog Talk Radio show.

For more information on National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day and the NFA’s May 15 Awareness Day event, click here.

Read About Fibromyalgia & Win Prizes!

20 Apr

Read about fibromyalgia and be automatically entered to win many great prizes, including the grand prize of a trip for two to Orange County, CA for the National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day Event.

Here’s how you can win:

Click here to read the National Fibromyalgia Association’s FREE online magazine, Fibromyalgia AWARE.

By clicking through, you are automatically entered into the contest!  Winners will be selected randomly from all electronic tracking of magazine visits and will be announced on our website.  The contest ends on April 23, 2010.

Prizes include….

  • A trip for two to Orange County, CA to attend the National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day Event (trip for two includes round-trip airfare from any city in the U.S., a 3-day and 2-night hotel stay, and $250 in spending money).
  • A $500 gift card to the Apple Store
  • A $250 general use gift card
  • A $50 general use gift card
  • Plus many other great prizes including helpful books and videos on fibromyalgia

***By entering this contest, you agree to allow the National Fibromyalgia Association photograph you at Awareness Day 2010 and to use your image in promotional materials; you also agree to be interviewed about this contest, Awareness Day 2010, and your fibromyalgia experience for promotional purposes.

Ask a Local Restaurant to Support National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day!

19 Apr

Many fibromyalgia activists want to play a role in National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day but may not be able to participate in a Walk of FAME.  But there are plenty of ways to be creative and help spread the “Make Fibromyalgia Visible” message in your own area!

For instance, ask your favorite restaurant to offer a special deal on Fibromyalgia Awareness Day to donate a certain percentage of every bill to the National Fibromyalgia Association. 

Applebee’s and California Pizza Kitchen have both participated in a dining bill donation program for the NFA in the past.  Call your local branch and ask to speak with the manager to discuss their participation in the 2010 National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day!  Or, try a different restaurant in your area!

Here are a few talking points to share with the restaurant manager:

  • Fibromyalgia is a common and complex disorder that affects 3-5 percent of the population and is characterized by chronic widespread pain, multiple tender points, abnormal pain processing, sleep disturbances, fatigue and often psychological distress.  
  • National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is observed annually on May 12 with worldwide recognition and support.
  • Proceeds will go to the National Fibromyalgia Association, which develops and executes programs to improve the lives of people affected by fibromyalgia. The NFA focuses on patient support and education, awareness outreach, healthcare provider education, patient advocacy and the facilitation of scientific research.

For other ideas on how to get involved with National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, click here.

Make Fibromyalgia Visible

31 Mar

The National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) will commemorate National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day on Saturday, May 15 at California State University Fullerton (CSUF) with free day-long activities that include a Wellness Fair, educational seminars, 1K and 5K walk. 

In the evening, R&B singer and new NFA spokesperson, Tony Terry, whose wife has fibromyalgia, will perform a special concert during the closing “Lights of Hope” candle lighting ceremony. Terry will also debut a new song from the National Fibromyalgia Association dedicated especially to the over 10 million people affected by fibromyalgia in the U.S. and 3-5 percent worldwide.

Click here for more information on National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.

Click here to register for the Walk of FAME. 

“Make Fibromyalgia Visible” is the NFA’s theme for this year’s National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, officially observed on May 12. Awareness Day is designed to increase awareness and understanding of fibromyalgia – a chronic pain disorder usually characterized by chronic widespread pain, multiple tender points, abnormal pain processing, sleep disturbances, fatigue and often psychological distress.

The May 15 event is co-presented by CSUF’s Fibromyalgia Research and Education Center. For more information, visit www.fmaware.org.

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