Many people who feel comfortable telling a stylist exactly how to cut their
hair freeze up when it comes time to voice their expectations and concerns
to their doctor. But effectively advocating for yourself when you’re in the
doctor’s office is an important skill. It can be key to early diagnosis
and treatment, result in more personalized care, and lead to better health
outcomes.
Importance of self-advocacy
No one knows more about your body, how you feel, and your medical history
than you. That means
your doctor needs your input
to help you improve or maintain your health, just as your stylist needs your
input to give you a haircut you’ll be satisfied with.
Advocating for yourself with your doctor can be especially important if
you’re
BIPOC
(Black, Indigenous, and people of color), a
woman, and/or
LGBTQ+, as members of those groups often encounter barriers getting the health
care they need.
And perhaps most importantly, for any course of action prescribed by your
doctor to work, you must be willing to follow the treatment plan. So, if
you’re not fully on board with something your doctor is suggesting, let them
know.
Preparing for your visit
When you make an appointment,
explain clearly what it’s for. That will help your doctor’s office determine how long it needs to be and
how to bill your health insurer. Be sure to also ask
how much the appointment will cost. If you’re concerned that your insurer may not cover it, ask the person you
speak with if they know.
If you’ll need any special accommodations when you arrive, let the office
staff know this when you make the appointment. You should also inform the
office if you’re going to bring a friend or family member to provide support
or assistance during the visit.
Before you leave for your appointment, make a list of the
concerns you want addressed
and the questions you’d like to be answered by your doctor.
Practice saying them
if that will make you feel more comfortable conveying them to your doctor.
You should also gather
all the information
you’ll need to bring with you to the appointment, including:
• Your medical history (and your family’s health history, if relevant)
• A list of your health conditions and the symptoms you’re experiencing
• A list of medications and supplements you’re currently taking
• Your insurance information
Visiting your doctor
On the day of your appointment, plan to arrive at your doctor’s office early
so you have plenty of time to give the front desk staff all the information
they need. It’s also important to bring something to take notes on so you
can later reference everything you spoke about with your doctor.
Once you are in the examination room, take out your list of questions and
concerns and tell your doctor what you want to get out of your visit.
Mention the most important things first and fully describe any problems you
may be experiencing. Don’t be embarrassed; your doctor is on your side and
has heard it all. And
know your rights. They include the right to see your medical records; the right to have your
medical information kept private; and the right to informed consent.
If you don’t completely understand something, ask for clarification until
you do. If you have concerns about a diagnosis or treatment recommendation,
express them.
When your visit ends, recap your understanding of it to make sure it’s the
same as your doctor’s. Make sure you understand what medicines or tests your
doctor prescribed or ordered and know how to get them.
If your doctor recommends you see a specialist, get their name and a
referral. If you’d like a second opinion, ask your doctor for a
recommendation.
After your visit
Review the instructions you received in your office visit summary. If you
need anything clarified, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.
Right after your appointment, schedule any follow-up visits with your doctor
and/or appointments with other doctors you were referred to. If you wind up
seeing more than one doctor, have them coordinate their care.
If you were prescribed medication or any other treatments during your
appointment, make sure you know how to take them. Your pharmacist should be
able to answer any questions you may have. If you experience any side
effects from a medication or a treatment isn’t working as intended, let your
doctor know right away.
Finally, if your visit made you feel uncomfortable and you don’t think
future appointments will be a better experience, it’s okay to find a new
doctor. If your visit was especially troubling,
consider lodging a complaint.
The big picture
Advocating for yourself with your doctor can take some getting used to, but
it’s the best way for you to keep on top of your health. And in many cases,
your doctor will appreciate you for doing it because it helps them provide
you with the best care.