Finding a Doctor Who Cares: 5 Great Referral Lists

[This is part 1 of a 2-part series "Finding a Doctor Who Cares."]

Finding a doctor who truly understands CFS, fibromyalgia, ME, or Long COVID can feel overwhelming. This article makes the search easier by sharing multiple referral lists of healthcare providers who are specially trained to treat these conditions. With more than 5,000 experienced practitioners to choose from, it’s an excellent starting point on your journey toward healing.

In my next newsletter, I’ll share practical tips to help you get the most value from every doctor’s visit.

The Challenge of Getting Care for These Conditions

Most healthcare providers receive little to no formal training on these illnesses, and the gap starts with insurance coverage. Because many insurers don't fully cover treatment, patients are often hesitant to seek help. With fewer patients coming through the door, medical schools see little reason to teach about these conditions, and physicians have little motivation to pursue specialized training.

The result feels like a vicious cycle: a system that, intentionally or not, creates the impression that these illnesses aren't real, while those who suffer struggle to find the care they need.

So, most CFS/FMS/LC specialists, unless they work for institutions that profit from the testing, need to drop their insurance participation because insurers often won't pay them for the time, testing and treatment needed in CFS/FMS/LC.

At the same time, many well-meaning doctors are worn down by a healthcare system that gives them only a few minutes with each patient. Overwhelmed and burned out, they may default to the easier—yet harmful—response of dismissing your symptoms as "all in your head," even though they don’t intend to cause harm.

What People with CFS/FMS Deserve

Those living with CFS and FMS need, and deserve, healthcare providers who rise above the usual barriers. Practitioners who:

1. Seek specialized training in these conditions even when insurance coverage is limited, and
2. Give patients the time and attention they need while listening carefully, staying open to emerging treatments, and continuing to work with insurance whenever possible.

Below you’ll find five practitioner referral lists featuring more than 5,000 qualified healthcare providers who meet one or both of these standards. If you or someone you love is navigating CFS or FMS, these resources are an excellent place to start.

Five Excellent Practitioner Referral Lists

A few important notes: I don’t personally know most of the physicians on these lists, so I can’t vouch for each one. Some may have retired or moved since their contact details were published, and not all will have extensive training in CFS or FMS. That said, these practitioners are still far more likely than most doctors to acknowledge that your health challenges are real and to approach your care with understanding and compassion.

1. CFS/Fibromyalgia Practitioner Referral List

These providers have completed several hours of specialized training in my research-based S.H.I.N.E.® Protocol for treating CFS and fibromyalgia.

2. Practitioners Trained by Neil Nathan, MD

In my opinion, Dr. Neil Nathan, the best-selling author of TOXIC, is one of the most knowledgeable experts in this field. He has exceptional expertise in mold toxicity, chemical sensitivities, and the treatment of underlying infections. Although retired and no longer writing prescriptions, he still offers medical consultations by phone, providing valuable guidance for both patients and their own physicians. I especially recommend him for complex or hard-to-treat cases.

3. Functional Medicine Practitioners

The Institute for Functional Medicine maintains a worldwide directory of more than 3,000 holistic practitioners. Functional medicine doctors are typically much more familiar with conditions like CFS and fibromyalgia and with integrative approaches to treatment.

4. Naturopathic Doctors

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians provides a national directory of licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs). Just as a Ph.D. title doesn't automatically qualify someone to perform surgery, the term "naturopath" can describe a wide range of training. For complex conditions such as CFS/FMS, it's best to seek a licensed ND, who, depending on your state, may be able to prescribe medications such as thyroid hormone or certain anti-infectious agents.

5. [Details for the fifth resource follow in the next section.]

Together, these referral lists feature more than 4,000 healthcare practitioners who are far more likely than most doctors to understand CFS, FMS, ME, and Long COVID.

Keep in mind, though, that many of these providers may not accept insurance, so be sure to confirm coverage before scheduling an appointment.

"Clinicians Who Care" Referral List

The fifth resource is the Clinicians Who Care referral list, an inspiring project created by Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS, also known simply as “Dr. Bayo.”

Recognizing how hard it can be to find doctors who truly listen and keep an open mind, Dr. Bayo invites patients to submit the names of clinicians who have genuinely heard their concerns and helped them move forward.

As of this writing, the list features more than 1,300 recommended practitioners. Many appear to be traditional physicians who still accept insurance. Yet, according to their patients, they consistently take the time to listen and remain open to new ideas. The heartfelt comments from those they’ve treated speak volumes.

This is a new resource for me as well. So if you explore it, I'd love to hear your feedback.

Coming Up Next

In my next newsletter post, I'll share practical strategies for getting the greatest benefit from each visit with your doctor.