With fibromyalgia affecting up to ten million people in the United States, or up to six percent of patients seen in general medical practices, the impact to the U.S. economy is significant. According to a 2003 study by I. Jon Russell, et al., healthcare costs range from $12-$14 billion per year and account for a loss of one to two percent of the nation's overall productivity. The study also found that total annual costs for fibromyalgia claimants were more than twice as high as the costs for the typical insurance beneficiary. Furthermore, the prevalence of disability among employees with fibromyalgia was twice as high as compared to all employees. Lastly, for every dollar spent on fibromyalgia-specific claims, employers spent approximately $50-$100 on additional direct and indirect costs.

The Fibromyalgia Circle of Care initiative is an multi-interventional, multidisciplinary educational activity that will allow participants to access a variety of media, tools, and best practices guidelines specific to the optimal care and management of fibromyalgia.

The Circle of Care initiative will address knowledge gaps related to the identification, diagnosis, management, and therapeutic strategies for patients with fibromyalgia.