How To Advocate For Yourself At Doctor Appointments

1

Do Your Research

Using the most reliable sources you can find relating to your suspected diagnosis, approach your doctor with facts that align with your symptoms. Doctors are more likely to take you seriously if they can tell you’ve done your research and can explain what you’re experiencing in a cogent way. It’s perfectly okay to suggest a hypothesis of what you think might be causing your symptoms.

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2

Ask Specific Questions

Asking good questions will not only give you more information and tools for managing your illness/disability, but will prompt your doctor to give clearer & more helpful explanations. If the doctor hasn’t explained something in a way that makes sense to you, ask for clarification.

Some example questions you might ask are: what learning resources should I explore when I get home? What are the pros & cons of that treatment? Will this drug interact with other medications I’m on? etc.

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3

Bring Notes

It’s too easy to forget things in the scant time you spend visiting with your doctor. you can even tell them you have a list of things you’d like to discuss, which will help start the conversation with you and your doctor being on the same page. Many people also find it helpful to bring a detailed symptom journal to their appointment (or send it in advance for your doctor to review). It’s also helpful to take a few notes during your appointment to help you remember after. You can also share official medical records with new doctors before your appointment.

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4

Bring Someone With You

Another thing that may help you remember things your doctor told you in your appointment is to bring an escort. Having a second person in the room will add to your credibility even if they’re not jumping into the conversation to back you up. If you have concerns about another person being in the room with you, you can also request that a person (such as a parent) leave the room at any point during your appointment.

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5

Ask Your Doctor If You Can Record Your Conversation

If you aren’t able to bring someone with you to your appointment, you can ask to record your conversation to play back later when you’re at home. This may also have the added benefit of encouraging your doctor to be more clear & helpful. Not all doctors are comfortable with this, but fortunately, you have other options.

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6

Ask Your Doctor For A Written Summary

Whenever my doctor gives me specifics information about my conditions (such as which vertebrae in my spine are unstable, or says the long-scientific name of a new diagnosis for the first time) I ask them to write them down for me on a sticky note or provide me with a printed summary of our visit.

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7

When You Schedule, Ask For A Longer Appointment Slot

Most doctor visits only allow you a few minutes with your doctor, and those few minutes are rarely enough to cover the complex problems.

However, most places offer the option of a longer appointment as long as you specifically request one.

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8

Express Your Disagreements, Discomforts & Confusions

When you disagree with a doctor’s assessment or think they might have missed something, speak up.

Remember, you legally have the option to say no to treatments or procedures you’re uncomfortable with. It’s important to listen to doctors’ expertise, but you should listen to Your body first.

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9

Tell Your Whole Truth

Don’t minimize your symptoms. Be descriptive and explain how your symptoms are impacting your daily life. This includes any side effects you’re experiencing from treatment. It’s also important to tell the truth when you haven’t done very well at following your doctor’s instructions.

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10

Find The Right Doctor

If you can afford to, drop doctors who aren’t helping you. Not all doctors are going to be a good fit for your unique circumstances. If your GP isn’t able to treat you to the extent you would like, ask for a referral to a specialist.