Tips on Advocating for Yourself At Doctor’s Appointments
We are all responsible for our health, and each day we all make countless decisions that end up impacting how healthy we are. Despite this, there is an expectation that you are supposed to automatically accept the advice of a medical professional, whether these suggestions are made casually, or as part of diagnosis or treatment.
Remember, medical professionals have expertise that you do not. Your relationship with them should be influenced by both mutual trust and respect. By choosing to advocate for your own best interest in a healthcare setting, you are positioning yourself to make choices that will benefit your body and mind.
The idea of advocating for yourself causes many people to experience anxiety, however. This is why it is a good idea to make sure that you routinely receive the care that you need from a provider you trust. This will improve your physical health and will have a profound influence on your emotional and mental well-being, too. The following is some important advice to keep in mind when it comes to advocating for your own healthcare.
Engage in Adequate Medical Research
If you are going to advocate for yourself in a healthcare setting, you should do your research first. Staying up to date with medical literature is critical to making sure that you can communicate your concerns to your medical provider.
Before seeing a medical professional in person, you might decide to research your symptoms. Instead of self-diagnosing, you should focus on confirming why it might be appropriate to speak with a medical professional. Engaging in this type of research can also communicate to your medical provider that you take your health seriously and are fully engaged in making the best possible care decisions.
Research is critical when it comes to making decisions about the type of medical care that you ultimately receive. Remember, you are not required to take certain medications simply because they are recommended. There have been countless instances in which medications that cause more harm than good have been widely prescribed, only to be deemed harmful later on. Patients who were harmed by these medications had to seek damages through personal injury lawsuits.
If you are prescribed medication, take the time to research the medication. Today, various credible sources exist, like medical research journals, that address the dangers of medications. While online sources can be helpful, in-person advice can be valuable, as well. Do not hesitate to speak to other medical professionals you might know professionally or personally to inquire about what they think about a medication and its potential dangers.
Communicate With Your Medical Provider
Advocating for yourself should not be an activity that leads to friction. Some medical providers, however, have limited views about the nature of doctor-patient relationships. Many medical providers appreciate patients who will advocate for the best care possible. One of the best ways to communicate with medical professionals is to be honest and direct, and ask as many questions as you need to feel fully informed.
Whenever possible, approach your medical care as a collaboration between you and your doctor. Make it known to your medical professional that you respect their knowledge. Asking questions about what type of care you receive is one of the best steps that you can take in creating a powerful collaboration. If there is anything about which you are uncertain, you should ask your medical provider to explain it more clearly. If there is anything about which your medical provider is not certain, you should propose arriving at the answer together.
When it comes to the topic of medications and treatments, present concerns or questions you may have. While your medical professional has your best interest in mind, they can also end up pressured by drug manufacturers and insurance carriers that inform them about decisions. Do not hesitate to discuss with your medical professional the variety of options for treatment you have available.
Obtain a Second Opinion
Unless you present a risk to others, your healthcare decisions are yours to make. Even the best-intentioned medical professionals sometimes make errors, and you need not be entirely reliant on their diagnosis or medical recommendations. Misdiagnosis is particularly common among women and people of color. Consequently, let your medical provider know about your desire to obtain a second opinion.
Avoid approaching the potential for a second opinion with an air of mistrust of your medical provider. Instead, make sure that your provider understands that you appreciate their insights and intend to use them as part of your further investigation into your condition. You should also make sure to request copies of medical reports as well as any test results. Most medical professionals will welcome this approach with the recognition that you are both acting in your best interest as well as with the knowledge that this can help to confirm a diagnosis.
Various technological advancements have been made in the medical field in recent years. Medical professionals understand the value of using new technologies and approaches to conducting further examinations. Do not be afraid to try cutting-edge medical processes when necessary.
It can feel difficult to connect with new medical professionals, particularly if you have already received testing from your regular doctor. You can, however, make the most of digital technology. Telehealth has become more common; even if it is not covered by an insurer, it is often possible to find other affordable options. Utilizing remote health services can save time and you can share your medical records through telehealth to reduce the time that you spend talking about your diagnostic history.
Contact a Long Island Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you or a loved one has been harmed as the result of exposure to medical malpractice, speak with an experienced attorney. Contact Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP today to schedule a free case evaluation.
