Advocate for Your Care
Going to the doctor on your own can feel different if you’re used to your family leading your medical visits. Suddenly, you’re the one filling out forms, explaining symptoms, and trying to remember what questions to ask. Your perspective is critical to your health so that you get care that feels right and makes sense to you.
Misunderstandings in health visits are common. Most people struggle to understand at least some medical info. Be your own advocate at appointments. Ask questions and clarify details to help prevent mistakes and get you the care you need. Take an active and empowered role in your health journey.
Here are some simple ways to advocate for yourself before, during, and after your appointments.
Before Your Appointment
- Try to see the same provider when you can. Over time, they’ll get to know your health history and preferences.
- Get organized. Keep a document with your current medications (including vitamins, birth control, and supplements), medical history, allergies, and any major past illnesses or injuries.
- Make a short list of questions or concerns. Think about what you most want to get out of your visit. This could include sharing new symptoms, asking about side effects, or questions about mental health changes.
- Do a little research from trustworthy sources. University health sites, CDC, or NIH are good places to start if you want background info. Don’t stress about having everything figured out—that’s what your provider is for.
- Bring your insurance card. It can make check-in easier and help you avoid surprises with coverage.
During the Appointment
- Be honest. Whether it’s about stress, substances, or how closely you’re following a treatment plan—your provider can only help if they know your real experience.
- Remember it’s a partnership. You bring your experiences; they bring their training. Together, you can make the best decisions for your health.
- Be open with your goals and preferences. Share what matters most to you—like managing side effects, keeping up with school, or avoiding certain medications.
- Ask when you don’t understand something. Whether it’s paperwork, consent forms, or after-visit instructions, it’s okay to ask staff to explain. If someone uses a term you don’t know, ask them to explain it in plain language. Try saying:
- “Can you explain that another way?”
- “What does that mean for me?”
- Speak up if something doesn’t feel right. If something’s off, say so. Try:
- “I still have questions about this.”
- “What other options are there? Can we try something else?”
- Ask questions about new prescriptions. Make sure you understand what to expect by asking your provider or pharmacist:
- What are the common side effects?
- Could this interact with anything else I’m taking (also considering supplements or vitamins)?
- How long should I expect to take the medication?
- When should I start to feel a difference?
- Ask about your treatment plan. Understanding the timeline helps you stay on track. Ask things like:
- How long will this treatment last?
- What changes or improvements should I notice, and when?
- What happens if this approach doesn’t work?
- What should I be looking for that tells me I need to come back or reach out again?
- Know that it’s okay to get a second opinion. If something feels off or you just want confirmation, you can always ask to see another provider. It’s part of being a proactive patient.
After the Appointment
- Follow up if you’re unsure about something. If you left with questions or forgot to mention something, you can review visit notes, educational materials, and message your provider through the patient portal.
- Read your visit summary and results. You have a right to see your records, and reviewing them helps you remember what was discussed.
- Do the work. Schedule lab tests, pick up prescriptions, or book your next appointment right away so it doesn’t slip your mind. If behavior changes were discussed, consider how to implement them in a way that works for the long-term.
- Keep track of your symptoms. Jot down how you’re feeling, when side effects happen, or when symptoms improve. This info will help at your next visit.
You don’t have to know all the medical terms or have perfect confidence to speak up. Just start with curiosity and honesty. Your provider is there to help, and your voice helps them do their job better.
You deserve care that makes sense, feels right, and works for you—and that starts with speaking up.