Know your rights

To advocate for yourself, it’s important to know your patient rights. Always remember that you have the right to:

• Courtesy and respect. This means being treated with dignity and having your needs met in a timely manner.

• Get all the information you need to make a decision about your care. Before making a decision about treatment, you should know of any risks and costs. Your healthcare provider should also share any alternative treatment options.

• Ask questions about your health.

• Make decisions about the care your healthcare provider recommends. You can accept or refuse a treatment option so long as you’re able to make decisions about your health.

• Have your privacy honored. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1966 (HIPPA) contains a privacy rule that gives you rights over your health information. It also identifies rules and limits on who can look at and receive your health information. The rule applies to all forms of your protected health information, whether electronic, written, or oral.

• Get copies or summaries of your medical records.

• Look for a second opinion on your treatment options.

• Be told of any conflicts of interest your healthcare provider may have. For example, suppose your provider recommends a specific medicine, joint replacement brand, or medical device. In such cases, you have the right to know if the provider receives compensation for recommending the medicine, brand, or device.

• Continuity of care. This means that your healthcare provider should oversee your entire treatment. If they can’t be your healthcare provider, they should tell you before your care ends.

How to advocate for yourself

So what does speaking up for yourself look like in a healthcare setting? To start, always remember that you’re the expert on you. And who knows your values and concerns better than you do? No one. The first step of self-advocacy is acknowledging this.

Then you can take steps toward advocating for yourself in real time. Be sure to:

• Come prepared. Write down any symptoms you have. When did they start? Does anything make them better or worse? Take time to understand your health insurance policy. What does it cover? For example, many insurance companies don’t cover certain tests. Know which are and aren’t covered before following up on any treatments.

• Ask questions. You should always feel comfortable asking your healthcare provider about your care. Try to prioritize your questions. Ask the most important ones first so that they receive the most attention.

• Bring someone with you. If you’re nervous about your visit, that’s OK! Many people feel anxious in healthcare settings. Bringing a loved one with you may help you feel more comfortable. If you can’t bring someone, let the staff know of your concerns. They may be able to accommodate you in some way.

• Take notes. Have trouble remembering everything your healthcare provider tells you? You’re not alone. Try writing down the important points of your treatment, like how long it’ll last and what medicines you’ll need. Take note of any side effects you may experience. Ask for a visit summary in writing to help you remember key points.

• Be honest. This can be hard at first. You may feel embarrassed to talk about certain subjects, which is completely normal. But your healthcare provider can only help you if they have the full picture when it comes to your health. And know that you’re unlikely to say anything they haven’t heard before.

• Know your records. If your records are in an electronic medical record (EMR), know how to access the online portal to see your information. Talk with your healthcare provider’s office about how to request your records. Ask for the EMR technical support number for additional assistance if needed.

• Make a follow-up appointment if you’re not feeling better. If it doesn’t seem like the treatment is working, let your healthcare provider know. Call them with any questions, and don’t be afraid to schedule another appointment if you need one.

For more tips on how to advocate for yourself, visit the The Joint Commission.You can then browse by topic.

Find the right healthcare provider

The right doctor can have a big influence on your health. And when you and your doctor aren’t a good match, it can leave you feeling unsure of your treatment options. When considering possible doctors, ask yourself the following questions.

• Do they provide you with a safe space during examinations?

• Do they talk with you directly and not just your support person?

• Do they try to find a treatment option that works best for you?

• Do they communicate in a way you can easily understand?

• Do they listen to you and answer your questions?

• Will they direct you to resources if you need them?

• Do they consider your finances when looking at treatment options?

It’s OK if it takes time to find a doctor that you like and feel respected by. If you’re having trouble finding one, don’t get discouraged. Always maintain your boundaries—you should never feel pressured into treatment. Remember that you have a right to healthcare that considers you as a complete person and not just another patient.