3. Are the patient's complaints are typical for the disease?

This question is usually answered by reviewing the patient's medical records and comparing them to the ACR criteria. Hopefully, the medical records provide detail regarding the patient's symptoms or complaints. FM/CFIDS specialists almost always document the defining symptoms. 

For FM patients it is also critical that a physical examination was performed confirming the existence and location of the classic tender points [and now the Widespread Pain Index and the Severity Scale of Symptom scores—Ed.]. Without documentation, the diagnosis may be subject to attack.