How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor

Doctors are there to provide us with the best care possible when our health takes a turn for the worst. But unfortunately medical professionals are often dismissive of their patients and their concerns, with the goal of getting them in and out of their office as quickly as possible. At the end of the day, remember that your doctor is only human and sometimes they get things wrong. Here are six tips for advocating for yourself more effectively so you can get the actual care you need!

Take Notes on Your Symptoms Beforehand – It can be easy to forget a portion of the laundry list of symptoms you’ve been experiencing when you’re actually at your appointment and talking to your doctor face to face. That’s why it’s good to write down all of your symptoms (and any questions you may have) on a notecard before you head to your appointment so that you don’t accidentally miss something!

Do Your Own Research – As cliché as the phrase “do your own research” is nowadays, sometimes the sentiment really can help you out at the doctor. For example, if you suspect that you may be suffering from a particular illness, vocalize that and carefully list out all of your symptoms. There are also times when it’s not a bad idea to get a second opinion from a different doctor if you’re skeptical of the prognosis.

Ask for Tests – If, after doing research on your own, you have a strong suspicion that you are suffering from a specific condition and your doctor disagrees, ask for testing anyway. If the test result comes back negative you have nothing to worry about, and if it comes back positive then you’ll be able to get treated more quickly.

Ask Questions – This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you’re unsure about anything at all that your doctor said during your appointment, don’t be afraid to ask questions (no matter how annoying they may be) until you have a firm understanding. If you were prescribed a new medication during your appointment, make sure you ask about all of the potential side effects, drug interactions, and activities you should avoid.

Be Assertive – It’s perfectly okay to push back against your doctor if you feel that they’re being too dismissive of your concerns…we’re talking about your health, after all! Clearly state your symptoms and be careful not to downplay the severity (which is easier said than done!) and how it’s affecting your life. Sometimes it can even be helpful to exaggerate your symptoms a bit just to get the point across.

Bring Someone to Advocate for You – We get it, confrontation isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. That’s why it can sometimes be advantageous to bring a trusted person with you to your appointment – whether that be a spouse, close friend, or someone else entirely – who can advocate for you.

If you’ve tried all of these tips and you still don’t feel as though you’ve gotten through to your doctor then it might be time to shop around for someone new!