Essentials in Rheumatology: A Guide for Primary Care Physicians

Saturday, April 26, 2025, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Corewell Health Place, 100 Corewell Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, Grand Rapids, MI


AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (6.50 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (6.50 hours)

This conference is aimed to educate providers on the latest Rheumatology treatment options and techniques.

1. To familiarize the primary care physician with the basics of autoimmune work up
2. Recognize when to order relevant labs to assist in diagnosing
3. Review on how to expedite referrals to rheumatology
4. Understand the Pathophysiology of Fibromyalgia: Explain the central amplification of peripheral sensory signals and the role of the central nervous system in pain processing
5. Recognize the Clinical Presentation: Identify the core symptoms of fibromyalgia, including chronic widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, and mood disorders
6. Diagnose Fibromyalgia Using Established Criteria: Utilize the American College of Rheumatology criteria and other diagnostic tools such as the Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool to diagnose fibromyalgia accurately.[
7. Evaluate Comorbid Conditions: Assess for common comorbid conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, psychiatric disorders, and other functional somatic syndromes
8. Educate Patients About Fibromyalgia: Provide effective patient education to improve understanding of the condition, reduce anxiety, and enhance adherence to treatment plans.
9. Monitor and Adjust Treatment Plans: Regularly evaluate treatment efficacy and adjust management strategies based on patient response and evolving symptoms
10. Avoid Ineffective Treatments: Recognize the limitations and lack of benefit of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids in the management of fibromyalgia

Spectrum Health Hospitals is accredited by the Michigan State Medical Society to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Spectrum Health Hospitals designates this Live Activity for a maximum of 6.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Spectrum Health adheres to ACCME Criteria, Standards and Policies regarding industry support of continuing medical education. Disclosure of faculty and their commercial relationships will be made prior to the activity.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Spectrum Health adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.