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While good healthcare is a basic right, you are more likely to get it if you advocate for yourself. As the patient, you must understand your own health needs, choose the right provider, and walk through the sometimes complex process of getting proper medical care. This involves being proactive, informed, and persistent in your healthcare journey. In this blog, we discuss what being your own health advocate looks like and how it benefits you.
Being Your Own Health Advocate Means Being Proactive in Selecting a Healthcare Provider
Before you choose a healthcare provider, do some research into his or her credentials, skills, experience, and scope of practice. Consider what kind of care you could need. Think about whether a general practitioner or specialist would best meet those needs.
It is also important to understand your health insurance coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs. Examples are copays for office visits, surgeries, and lab tests.
Do not rely on your provider to explain your insurance benefits. Research them in advance by contacting your health insurance carrier.
Being Your Own Health Advocate Means Talking about Your Health Clearly
As a patient, stay informed about your health condition(s) and your treatment plan. Ask your healthcare provider for explanations about therapies and medications when needed. Also, talk to your pharmacist about the side effects of your medications.
Keep a written record of changes in your symptoms. Then, when you see your physician, be specific about what has improved, worsened, or stayed the same.
Ask your provider questions that require a specific answer. For instance, do not ask, “When will I feel better?” Instead, ask, “When can I expect less pain and better balance?”
This way, you communicate clearly with your provider about what concerns you most. In turn, the doctor can explain what is happening and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
Being Your Own Health Advocate Means Communicating with Your Healthcare Provider
Find out the best way to stay in touch with your physician. Does your healthcare provider respond to phone calls and emails? Do they have a patient portal where you can ask non-urgent questions?
Communication is key to excellent patient care. A great healthcare provider will want to make communication as easy and effective as possible for you.
Get Help from a Trusted Friend or Relative
Choose a healthcare partner–someone who can go to medical appointments with you to be that second set of ears. Ask them to take notes. Give that person the freedom to contribute to the conversation during your in-office visits.
Also, ask your friend or family member to help you make health-related decisions. Having another person involved in your healthcare provides emotional support and helps you remember–and understand–important medical information.
Being Your Own Health Advocate Means Being Responsible
Patient responsibility is so important. You must keep your scheduled appointments with your provider. Follow medication and therapy instructions carefully. Ask for clarification if you do not understand something or think a change is in order.
In addition, be honest about your medical condition and your lifestyle. Do not downplay or exaggerate your needs. Admit to struggles you have with habits such as smoking or lack of exercise.
As the old saying goes, honesty really is the best policy. Being truthful builds a strong foundation for accurate, safe, and effective patient care.
Being Your Own Health Advocate Helps Your Overall Well-being
Finally, when you advocate for yourself in your healthcare, you build a better relationship with your provider. A recent survey of cancer survivors shows that this is the case.
Another study shows patients feel more hopeful about their medical conditions when they are their own health advocates. Self-advocacy helps everyone involved in patient care–providers and most of all, the patients themselves.
Physicians that Provide the Best Patient Care in Florida
Seeking top-notch medical care? Contact Premier Physician Support Services, where delivering superior healthcare is more than just a promise; it’s a way of life. We coordinate groups of family, internal, and pediatric care doctors across 11 counties in Central, Florida, South Florida, and the Tampa region.
Call the team at Premier Physician Support Services today at (305) 273-9100. You also may find a provider here. We look forward to hearing from you.
