Living with a chronic illness will inevitably mean many doctors’ appointments. These appointments however, help guide your personal medical care story, and need your active participation to ensure you are receiving the best care possible. Being your own health advocate can seem intimidating, especially if you’re an introvert like me, but there are easy ways to make sure your voice is heard in your care strategy. After all, isn’t that what medicine is all about? Here, I share five strategies I have personally used to become my own patient advocate, and I hope they help you do the same.
- Do your own research. You know why you’re going to see your doctor. Do some research ahead of time to familiarize yourself with terms, medications, and possible actions that commonly help. By having a base of knowledge going into your appointment, you can ask better questions, and understand your doctor’s answers. You can also take a look at some common medications and procedures and weigh the pros and cons of each for you personally. This will help you know you’re picking the right one for you, and often aid in a quicker action plan from your doctor.
- Come prepared for the appointment with specific questions. As you were doing your research, you probably came across a few things that need further explanation, or that raise questions for you. Write it down! Make a list of all your questions and bring them to your appointment. If your doctor feels there is not enough time to review everything in your appointment slot, make another appointment or email them your questions to be addressed at a later time. It’s important that you feel comfortable with the care you receive, and fully understand any complications or side effects that you feel need more explanation.
- Take notes during the appointment and ask for documentation. This is an important step in having proof of your care plan, it’s like your personal roadmap to health, you’ll want to be sure to get a copy! This also ensures you, your doctor, and any nurse or new doctor are on the same page as this documentation is what they will review before seeing you. The paperwork will also show things like your medication list, personal info, and allergies. It never hurts to double check this too! This will also have records of shots or blood draws at appointments and can be helpful in dating when your next ones should be.
- Be sure to voice your concerns and opinions. The whole reason you are meeting with a doctor is to seek expert help; and the whole principle of medicine is healing and helping. Make sure you voice any concern, or strong opinion you have about care or medication. Honest and open communication with your doctor is the best practice. More times than not, when I have voiced a concern my doctor is happy to find an alternative solution. Don’t assume just because they prescribe one medication or procedure that it is your only option. Remember that your doctor is a professional in the field and probably knows more than you do regarding your condition and treatment options. Be respectful when raising concerns, and know that your doctor is on your side.
- Get a second opinion if needed. If you feel that your doctor is not listening or is brushing off your concerns, you can always get a second opinion. Remember, if you are not comfortable with what they recommend you do you do not have to do it. I do, however, recommend only getting another opinion on big decisions like surgery or new medication. Things like a cold, the flu, or a stomach bug don’t usually need second opinions, and can be treated by a general physician versus someone who is an expert in a particular field. Generally speaking, second opinions come from people like surgeons and specialists. Know that this is an option if you are considering a big decision, and is pretty commonplace practice in the world of healthcare.
Being your own patient advocate is so important and empowering. It ensures you will be getting the best care possible for you. It’s taking your health into your own hands, and knowing you’re doing everything possible. Not every doctor is created equal unfortunately, and it’s so much better to actively participate in your healing story, than blindly follow along and wonder what you could have changed later down the road. Armed with these five, easily, implemented tips, you can become your own patient advocate.
Note: * This is NOT an affiliate post. I do not receive anything for promoting or recommending things. *