When you go to the doctor, you want to be heard. You want your concerns about your health to be taken seriously. And most importantly, you want to get the answers you need. Yet, we feel unheard of or brushed off by our doctors all too often. This can leave us feeling frustrated and powerless, and we’re unsure where to turn next.
Luckily, there are several ways of advocating for yourself at the doctor’s office to help you get the care you deserve and make it a more positive experience. This post looks at some of the ways you can advocate for yourself to get the care you need when you need it.
Be Specific About What You Want From The Appointment
The first step to advocating for yourself is to be specific with what you want from your appointment. Doctors are busy, and they often don’t have time for their appointments to address all of your concerns. So, you must prioritize your care so they can best serve you.
If you want a prescription, say so. If you want them to order tests, say so. If you want an in-depth analysis of something like ongoing symptoms or physical discomfort, ask for it.
If there is any family history or previous health conditions pertinent to the medical issue at hand and not discussed in detail, bring this information up and its relevance to your current condition so it can be adequately assessed and addressed by your physician during the visit.
Keep Your Own Records
A great way to advocate for yourself is by keeping your own records. Often, patients don’t know what their doctor is talking about because they can’t remember the details of their last visit. Keep a notebook with you at all times and write down every detail from your appointment, from what the symptoms are to what treatments are prescribed or recommended. This way, if you have another round of appointments, you will know where to go back and look for information.
Additionally, you should also keep track of any test results that come in after your visits so that you have them on hand when you need to talk with your doctor again. Thorough records can also be helpful should you need to identify any lapses in care or misdiagnosis regarding your health. Should you need to find a wrongful death lawyer for hire, your records can help you in this case.
Do Your Own Research
If you are a regular consumer of health information, you know that there is no shortage of conflicting opinions about approaching your health. You may even be frustrated by this lack of agreement because it makes it hard for you to make the best decisions for yourself. This is why you must do your own research. Conducting your own research gives you a better understanding of what doctors are saying and how they approach their work.
Find out more information on specific treatments or surgeries so that you can make an informed decision about your care. If you find something that disagrees with the advice given by your doctor, then ask them about it! The most important thing is to be fully educated on all aspects of your care. This will help eliminate any potential confusion and prevent miscommunication between yourself and the doctor.
Ask Questions
When you go to the doctor, you must ask questions. Let your doctor know what symptoms you’re experiencing. You should also ask about possible solutions for any current medical issues concerning you. This is an opportunity to learn more about your condition and determine what treatments might be on the horizon.
Don’t hesitate to speak up and ask your doctor if you have a question. In fact, studies show that patients who speak up in their appointments are more likely to get better care than those who don’t voice their concerns or only answer with “yes” or “no.”
Get A Second Opinion
If you’re not happy with how your doctor treats your concerns, you can always get a second opinion. You might want to start by talking to the doctor about it. If that doesn’t work, you could try asking for referrals or other sources of information that can help you make a decision.
You should never feel like you have to put up with a doctor who isn’t listening, isn’t giving you the time of day, or is dismissive of your symptoms. It’s okay to say “no” and find someone who will listen and treat you better.
*Collaborative Post