When it comes to your health, you are the expert. Only you know how you are feeling and what makes you feel better or worse. But sometimes others, even healthcare providers, may not fully hear your concerns. And they may not realize they are not hearing you. Sometimes others may even do this because of your gender identity, sexual orientation, culture, or ethnic group.
Remember: You have the power to make sure you are heard and treated fairly. Here is how to self-advocate so you get quality care.
Being engaged with your healthcare
Taking an active role in choices about your care can make a big difference. Consider you and your healthcare provider a team—one that is solely focused on your health. To make sure you are getting the best care:
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Be prepared. Before a visit with your healthcare provider, put together a list of your top concerns or questions. You may have limited face-to-face time with your provider, so cover what is most important to you first.
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Educate yourself. Learn all you can about a diagnosis or treatment. Knowing more about it can help you have an informed conversation with your healthcare provider. It can also ease your worry.
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Ask questions—lots of them. Keep in mind, you have the right to know what a diagnosis means for you or how a treatment will affect you.
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Speak up. If something is bothering you about a diagnosis, test, or treatment, tell your healthcare provider. They are the best source of information and can connect you to more resources if needed.
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Be open and honest, even about personal and family health matters. When talking with your provider, clearly express your concerns, preferences, and expectations. Open communication helps build trust. It also fosters a collaborative relationship. When asked to give an evaluation of your experience with a healthcare provider, take advantage of this to give both positive and negative feedback. You may find your next visit to be more positive.
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Bring support. Having a family member, friend, or other trusted person with you during a visit may help. They can take notes, ask questions, or speak up—making sure you get the best care.
Knowing your rights
You have the right to respect, privacy, and support. If you feel your concerns are not being addressed or you are being mistreated, these steps are open to you:
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Get a second opinion. If you have doubts about a diagnosis or treatment plan, talk with another healthcare provider. A different viewpoint may help you make a better choice about your care. Your health plan or local healthcare facility can connect you with qualified providers.
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Look for a new healthcare provider. Finding the best provider for you may take some time. Ask family, friends, coworkers, and others for their recommendations. You can also find providers and reviews about them online. If you have a health plan, they can help, too.
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Keep a record. If you notice problems or biases with your care, write them down. Keep track of dates, names, and details of interactions. You can use this information to file a complaint, if needed.
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Report problems. If you feel you still are not being heard or respected, think about filing a complaint. Your healthcare provider’s office or facility may have a department that deals with patient concerns. Patient advocacy groups can also help. They can provide guidance, support, and resources. By voicing your concerns, you are bringing attention to a problem that may be affecting more than just you.
Health policy experts and groups are working hard to make quality healthcare available to all. You can do your part, too. Self-advocate for the care you want and need. You deserve it.
To learn more
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Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, www.ahrq.gov
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GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality, glma.org
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National Patient Advocate Foundation, www.npaf.org
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Patient Advocate Foundation, www.patientadvocate.org
