Finding your voice
From the beginning of our healthcare system, there have been stories – both positive and negative – about the quality of medical care experienced by individuals. Navigating the healthcare system can feel overwhelming. Did you know that you have a choice in your healthcare and how it is delivered? Many people don’t speak up during appointments, silently enduring the treatment out of fear that asking questions might be seen as challenging the provider’s authority and could lead to negative consequences. The truth is that our healthcare system is designed to teach, and your healthcare professional is usually excited to assist you in learning about your health. When you speak up and ask questions, you not only enhance your experience, you also improve your outcomes. Your willingness to use your voice improves your behavioral and physical healthcare.
You may be thinking, where do I start? Managing your own wellbeing, both mental and physical, can seem overwhelming. Here are some simple tips for having a positive outcome, regardless of the diagnosis, when you are meeting with any healthcare professional:
- Book for success: When you call to book your appointment, be specific about your need for seeing the provider. Explain with the least amount of detail needed what your main concern is today. Also, be mindful of the time of day. For example, if you have migraines every day after 2pm, it would be best to schedule your appointment in the morning.
- Practice what you will say: Write down the things you need to know and want to ask before your appointment. Rehearse the appointment with a friend or family. The more comfortable you are asking the questions, the easier and more natural the appointment will feel. Also, writing things down and taking your notes with you will help you remember what you need to ask.
- Bring a confidant: This is your appointment. Four ears and eyes are better than two. Having someone you trust with you for important appointments ensures that you will be more comfortable and better able to maintain the focus on your health.
- Prioritize your concerns: You will have a limited amount of time with your provider. Prioritize the most pressing concerns, ones that are affecting your daily life. Remember your goal for the appointment and stay focused.
- Get a second opinion: Please understand, asking for and seeking a second opinion is not questioning the competency of your provider. This allows for another specialist to see you and provide an opinion based on their experience and expertise. It is ok to ask for a second opinion. In most cases, with a serious diagnosis, your provider will encourage you to seek a second opinion as well.
- Ask the questions: This is your healthcare, and no one will care more about your health than you. Do not be afraid to ask any questions you have and take notes during the appointment. If the doctor says something you do not understand, ask for an explanation. If they are ordering a procedure or test you are unsure of, ask if this is needed, what they expect to learn from the tests, what are the risks, and even ask what would happen if you choose not to follow recommendations.
- Find support: Anytime we are faced with a tough diagnosis or situation, it may be helpful to find support groups. These groups are beneficial as they allow you know and feel that you are not alone. This can be especially helpful for more serious behavioral and mental health concerns.
- Keep records: Know your family history. It matters in many ways and may provide clues for your provider about specific details or small symptoms that could indicate other illness based on family history.
- Understand follow up care: The intervention does not end when you walk out of your appointment. Follow the instructions from your medical professional. Fill the prescription and take the medication. Have the tests done in a timely manner. Know what to do if your symptoms do not improve or worsen. Have the contact numbers for your medical providers handy for any follow-up questions.
This is not an exhaustive list of things for you to learn to be your own advocate. This is just the beginning. Every question about your health should be asked. Your provider has heard them before and there is nothing to be embarrassed or nervous about. Your provider wants to help you live a better, healthier, more fulfilled life. It is up to you to use one of your most powerful tools – your voice – to ask the questions to help them help you!!!
If you would like to speak with a counselor about any challenge you are facing, please contact Mercy’s MAP by calling 800-413-8008 #2. The MAP provides free, confidential, short-term counseling to participants and anyone that lives in their household.
