As a patient, visiting the doctor’s office, hospital or emergency room can be stressful. These experiences can leave you feeling vulnerable and – in some cases – with more questions than answers about your health. That’s why knowing how to advocate for yourself at the doctor is so important. Self-advocacy can significantly improve the quality of care you receive and help prevent medical malpractice. Advocating for yourself or loved ones can make a big difference in getting questions answered, tailored care, and understanding when providers fall under the standard of care.
At Bell Law Firm, we take patient advocacy very seriously. Our goals are to obtain fair and full compensation for victims of medical negligence while helping make meaningful changes in healthcare to promote patient safety. While we work diligently for every client, our ultimate hope is that you never experience malpractice in the first place. We hope this blog provides you with actionable tips to implement in your next doctor’s visit to get the care you deserve.
What Does Patient Advocacy Mean?
First, let’s settle on a definition. Patient advocacy refers to the actions and efforts made to support, protect, and promote the best interests of patients within the healthcare system. Patient advocacy can apply to all patients or caregivers in all settings before, during and after your visit. It involves ensuring patients receive the necessary information, resources, and support to make informed health and medical care decisions.
Ultimately, patient advocacy is about ensuring patients’ voices are heard, their rights are protected, and they receive the best care possible. Now, let’s look at how to advocate for yourself at the doctor.
8 Tips to Prepare for Your Next Doctors Visit
- Explain your visit. Before you even step foot in the doctor’s office or call to schedule your appointment, clearly explain to the receptionist or nurse why you are visiting and any necessary details the doctor may need to know. This will help ensure your provider prepares ahead of time with all the relevant details for your care.
- Be prepared ahead of your scheduled visit. Typically, people don’t think too much ahead of time about their appointments. It happens to many of us time and time again after we leave an appointment. We forget to bring up important points or ask a specific question. Before you visit your doctor, write down symptoms, concerns, and any questions you might have. Also, bring a list of all medications and supplements you’re taking.
- Communicate openly and honestly. Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions or to summarize your doctor’s feedback out loud to confirm you heard everything correctly. Communicating honestly and directly helps you understand your health better and shows your doctor that you are engaged and proactive in your care.
- Know your rights. As a patient, you have certain rights, including informed consent, privacy and the right to refuse treatment. Familiarizing yourself with each is a standard every patient should know and beware of before any healthcare visit.
- Take an active role in your care. Healthcare appointments can result in a lot of new information to process. Don’t be afraid to take notes during your visit. Once you’re home, review them and follow up with your doctor or nurse with any questions you forgot to ask. Request your medical records, test results, and treatment plans to file to track your health journey.
- Know your medical history. You don’t have to be an expert in your healthcare condition, but you should keep up with your treatment plans and diagnoses. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and ask the right questions, such as: What’s the purpose of this test? What are the side effects of this medication? Are there alternative options?
- Seek a second opinion. If something feels off or you’re unsure about your diagnosis, seek a second opinion. A second opinion gives you the chance to hear other ideas and approaches. Often, the additional perspective can help validate your treatment plan.
- Bring your support system. Appointments can be overwhelming and nerve-wracking, especially when you’re alone. If possible, bring a trusted friend or family member to be by your side as another set of ears or help you take notes.
What Happens if Medical Negligence Still Occurs?
Knowing how to advocate for yourself at the doctor isn’t just about getting better care; it’s also a safeguard against potential medical malpractice. By being proactive, informed, and engaged, you reduce the risk of misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatments, and other medical errors.
Despite the most diligent patient advocacy, medical malpractice and negligence can still happen. At Bell Law Firm, we have worked with patients who have been seriously injured due to a healthcare provider’s actions. Depending on the details of your case, filing a lawsuit may be an option for you.
If you or a loved one has experienced harm at the hands of a healthcare provider, seeking legal advice to understand your options is a crucial first step. To request a free consultation from Bell Law Firm, visit our Contact Us page.