Three Ways to Effectively Advocate For Yourself in Medical Spaces

Advocating for yourself with medical professionals can feel daunting; especially if you do not have any experience with medical spaces, or are experiencing symptoms for the first time. The fear of the unknown, and having to put all of your trust into someone else's hands are easy to want to avoid.

But, if you know how to clearly communicate your concerns, and ensure that you leave with a solution, you can more confidently navigate your time with your doctor.

Here are Three Ways to Effectively Advocate For Yourself in Medical Spaces:

1) Make a list of your concerns, and document incidents when you have experienced symptoms: Write down the dates, times, and detailed overview of what you experienced. Notating these things will help your doctor see the frequency with which you underwent your symptoms, provide hard facts as to what you are going through and when, and can help your primary physician narrow down ailments. It also shows that you have been diligently paying attention to your health, know your body well, and are aware of what could be inciting your symptoms.
Take this list with you to your appointment.

2) If guests or visitors are permitted, take a close friend or family member with you.: Advocacy is all the more powerful with someone with you for emotional support, but also as a witness to everything your doctor suggests, prescribes, etc. If you are comfortable sharing your documented list of dates and times of when your symptoms occurred with your guest and are comfortable with them being privy to what you have been experiencing and when; please share it with them so that they can track with what all is suggested during your doctors' visit as well.

3) Do not be afraid to ask clarifying questions if you are not 100% sure of what your doctor
is attempting to relay to your or diagnose you with.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out and book a consultation with our team.

Be well,

Dr. Erika Horowitz and Team