- What can Fibromyalgia Network do for me as a patient?
- Why aren’t your services free-of-charge?
- Can’t I get all the information I need online? Why do I need the Journal?
- Do you allow article reprints or photocopying?
- Why aren’t physician and support group referral lists available online?
- How do I obtain physician and support group referral lists for my area?
- How do I participate in surveys?
- If I am already a Member, how do I sign up to receive the timely eNews Alerts?
- Where do I find past Fibromyalgia Network articles?
- Can I renew my Membership online? Is your site secure?
- If I sign up as a Member, will I receive unwanted solicitations?
- What if I did not receive an issue?
- Can I send you donations for fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome research?
- Does the Fibromyalgia Network have a Facebook page?
1. What can Fibromyalgia Network do for me as a patient?
With an annual fee of only $35 per year, you are connected to a patient-advocacy organization that will keep you up to date on the latest research and best possible treatments, so that you can receive first-rate care. Fibromyalgia Network is a member-supported organization that includes a 20-page quarterly Journal and a timely eNews Alert, both of which are patient-focused, devoid of advertising, full of new therapies to try, coping advice to keep you in control, and research updates to help you remain optimistic. Membership also includes: involvement in surveys about fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, the opportunity to voice topics for future articles, health care provider and support group referrals, Bonus Articles that provide background information on the current Journal issue, and more.
When you join Fibromyalgia Network, you become a Member of a large group of people who share your same concerns and receive advice from experts around the world.
2. Why aren’t your services free-of-charge?
Since we do not include advertising, our organization is sustained only through membership fees. We understand that it is not easy dealing with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, so we offer our Members as many services as possible while keeping the price affordable.
3. Can’t I get all the information I need online? Why do I need the Journal?
You won’t find the information presented in the Fibromyalgia Network Journal anywhere else. It is a culmination of research studies, interviews with physicians and researchers, summaries of medical conference presentations, and patient input. The articles are in depth and provide real solutions that you can put to use.
4. Do you allow article reprints or photocopying?
Fibromyalgia Network Journal and eNews Alerts are fully copyrighted. No article or portion of any article may be reproduced or posted elsewhere (although you may provide a copy for your healthcare provider). We do want as many people as possible to have access to our Journal and eNews Alerts, which is why membership rates are low at $35/year (a modest amount to invest in one’s health). We go to great lengths (and considerable expense) to put together articles. As a Member-supported organization, we cannot allow people to obtain our services for free and still remain in operation. It would also be unfair to our paying Members. Thank you for respecting this policy.
5. Why aren’t physician and support group referral lists available online?
We provide referral lists (for Members) through the postal mail for each state in the U.S. We do not post electronic versions of the lists on our site because they are constantly changing and we do not want outdated information posted elsewhere online. The providers and group leaders on our referral lists have the right to be removed at any time, and we must quickly comply with these requests. For those who are not yet Members, a list for your state is automatically sent to you when you join.
6. How do I obtain physician and support group referral lists for my area?
To receive this list, just send us a self-addressed envelope with first-class postage and indicate which state list you would like. If you live in a city that boarders with another state, we can send that state’s referral sheet along as well (just specify this in your note). Read more about our referral lists.
7. How do I participate in surveys?
Participation in surveys is a benefit of Fibromyalgia Network Membership. When we are conducting surveys, you will be notified by email and given instructions on how to respond. We also place reminders in the eNews Alert delivered to Members when a survey is under way (be sure we have your correct email address). Your response to surveys is done online and your input will be anonymous (i.e., we will receive your answers but we will not be able to identify you).
8. If I am already a Member, how do I sign up to receive the timely eNews Alerts?
All you need to do is provide us with your email address and the timely Alerts will automatically be sent to you. You may call us toll-free within the U.S. and Canada at (800) 853-2929 or send us an email if that is more convenient (be sure to provide your name and mailing address so we can find you in our database). Our eNews Alerts are for informational purposes only; they do not contain advertising.
9. Where do I find past Fibromyalgia Network articles?
A selection of past articles from the Fibromyalgia Network Journal can be viewed online under “Free Articles.” Although all articles are not posted on our website, Members can get six back issues for only $19 (this is a 50% discount, as non-Members would pay $39). Selected “Bonus Articles” are made available to Members when the articles provide important background information on a feature article in the current issue.
10. Can I renew my Membership online? Is your site secure?
Renewing online is fast, convenient, and safe. Our web store is completely secure, with a 128-bit encryption, which means your renewal information is kept private while in transit. To renew online, just click here.
11. If I sign up as a Member, will I receive unwanted solicitations?
No, we respect your privacy and do not share information about you with anyone. Our quarterly Journal, eNews Alerts, and website are all devoid of advertising.
12. What if I did not receive an issue?
We make every effort to get your publication to you, but sometimes it gets lost in the mail system. If you think you have missed an issue, call us toll-free at (800) 853-2929 and we can resend the issue. This number works throughout North America. If you live elsewhere, don’t hesitate to contact us by email or postal mail.
13. Can I send you donations for fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome research?
Send charitable donations to the American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association (AFSA). AFSA has been funding research projects on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome since 1994. For more information, visit www.afsafund.org. Although Fibromyalgia Network helps AFSA with in-kind services (e.g., office space, utilities, etc.), the two organizations are NOT the same. Please send donations directly to:
AFSA
PO Box 32698
Tucson, AZ 85751-2698
14. Does the Fibromyalgia Network have a Facebook page?
The Fibromyalgia Network has a Facebook page for those with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome to share ideas, talk about topics of interest, and socialize with others. Join the Facebook community and become part of the Fibromyalgia Network family. Click here for instructions on how to sign-up for your free Facebook account.