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You live in your body every day, so you know it best. But what happens when you feel like something’s off and your doctor doesn’t understand or seem concerned? What if they recommend a treatment plan you’re not comfortable with? That’s when it’s important to be your own advocate and speak up.
You might feel nervous or unsure about asking questions and sharing your concerns, but it can help your doctor understand what you’re really experiencing. When you advocate for yourself, you’re more likely to get care that fits your needs and makes you feel heard. It can also help build a stronger doctor-patient relationship and help you feel more in control of your health.
What does it mean to advocate for your health?
Advocating for your health means speaking up for yourself and making sure your needs and concerns are heard by the people who are caring for you. It’s about asking questions, sharing your feelings, and making sure you understand what’s happening with your care.
Being a health advocate doesn’t mean you have to argue with your doctor. It means working together as a team. You bring your knowledge of your own body, and your doctor brings their medical training.
How to advocate for your health
Being a health advocate isn’t hard, and it gets easier with practice. Here are a few things you can do.
Find a doctor who meets your needs and preferences
Start by reviewing doctor profiles online. Try sorting by location, languages spoken, and area of expertise. Looking for a doctor who specializes in kidney care? Need guidance on a plant-based diet? Many doctor profiles offer some insight into their interests and specialties. You may also be able to ask a friend or family member to recommend a doctor they trust. If you need extra help, you can also call your health plan’s member services team.
Once you’ve found a doctor, it’s just as important to consider how well you’ll work together.
What describes a good doctor-patient relationship?
A good doctor-patient relationship is built on trust, respect, and teamwork. You feel safe asking questions, your doctor listens and explains things clearly, and you make decisions together. This kind of relationship makes it easier to feel your voice matters in your care.
Bring notes and questions to your visit
Communicating with your doctor helps you get the care you need. Before your visit, spend some time looking up your symptoms (but don’t try to diagnose yourself). Some sources are more helpful than others, so stick to well-known medical organizations. Try to get familiar with the topics you’d like to discuss and create a list of questions.
If you and your doctor don’t speak the same language, write down your symptoms or questions in the language you’re comfortable with and bring them to your appointment. Language assistance is available at no cost to you. You can ask for interpreter services, including sign language interpreters. Consider confirming their availability with your doctor’s office. You can ask for materials translated into your language or alternative formats, such as braille, audio, or large print. You can also request auxiliary aids and devices at our facilities.
At the end of your appointment, your doctor or care team should provide a summary of the visit and any next steps. Review your treatment plan together and save any information for future reference. Many doctors also include this information and other notes in an electronic health record for you or your care team to access online later. Notes may provide more insight into why they asked you certain questions, what they’re looking to rule out, and why they’ve chosen your treatment plan.
If you aren’t clear on your doctor’s directions for a follow-up plan, ask them for more information. And if you have other questions or concerns later, call or send your doctor a message between visits.
Make your concern a priority
Kerry Litman, MD, physician lead for Person and Family Centered Care at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California, emphasizes that you’re the one with the most at stake. For example, if you tell your doctor that you have a lump in your breast, and they don’t seem as concerned as you are, request a second opinion. It’s better to play it safe.
“As doctors, it is our job to reassure you that you are safe,” he says. “You can get your doctor’s attention with ‘CUS’ reframing: ‘I’m concerned,’ ‘I’m uncomfortable with your diagnosis,’ and ‘My top priority is my safety.’”
Open and honest conversation is the key to a good relationship with your doctor. If you feel like you’re not being heard, you can reach out to another doctor. Or request that a family member or patient advocate join you in the exam room.
Trust the process — but ask for clarification
What if you go to the doctor about one issue and they start asking you about something else? Sometimes questions that seem unrelated are part of how doctors figure out what’s going on.
Process of elimination is an important part of diagnosis, explains La Shawna Williams, MD, physician director of care experience at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California.
“We care first that the patient is safe and doesn’t have a life-threatening condition,” she says. “Once we can rule out those immediate concerns, we look for the real source.”
Questions about your general health are normal, especially if you’re seeing your regular personal doctor. This may include questions seemingly unrelated to your current symptoms.
“Your doctor cares about your overall wellness,” adds Dr. Williams. “There will be standard questions as part of every visit to make sure we see the patient in totality.”
If you’re ever confused or uncomfortable with a line of questioning, though, let your doctor know. Dr. Williams suggests saying something like, “I don’t understand where you’re going with this. Help me understand.”
Get involved
How can you support the quality of care other patients receive? Many medical facilities recruit for patient advisory councils. “We’re designing care incorrectly if there’s no patient involvement,” says Dr. Williams. “And this is a way to get involved.”
Volunteering your time is a chance to share your perspective as a patient and help others. If you’re interested in joining, reach out to your local facility.