Self-advocacy can be tricky to navigate in a medical setting–especially if it’s a new one. At the same time, advocating for yourself is crucial in order to make sure that your medical needs are being met in a way that makes sense for you. Navigating self-advocacy isn’t easy, especially for a condition as individualized and mysterious as chronic fatigue, but it is altogether possible–not to mention downright necessary if you want to receive the best possible care. Today, we’re going over some of our biggest tips you can implement to set yourself up for success if you’re going to see a new doctor and want to protect your own best interests. Let’s get started.
1. Find an Approach that Works
First and foremost, it’s great to remember that virtually any physician you see has a similar goal to you: helping you live a happier and healthier life. With that in mind, it’s undeniable that there are numerous approaches that can be taken to pursue this goal, and not every approach is compatible with every person. If you are able to do so, do some research about different approaches to primary care–functional versus traditional, for example–and determine which one sounds best suited to your lifestyle and needs.
By doing preliminary research about the philosophy that your prospective physician has for patient care in the first place, you’ll be ensuring that their fundamental approach is compatible with your needs (and your own philosophy about healthcare). This is a great starting point in order to make sure that you and your physician are aligned on a basic level. Don’t be afraid to call or message your physician’s office prior to your appointment with questions. Searching for a doctor can be a difficult and exhausting process, but going the extra mile with this kind of research is a great way to make sure you minimize your wasted time with incompatible physicians in-office.
2. Come in with Goals
Even simple, generalized goals like these can help set the tone for the kind of relationship you’ll have with your physician, and they can make you feel much more comfortable as you arrive at your appointment.
3. Bring Someone with You
Two heads are better than one, and that can definitely be the case when it comes to medical advocacy. If you have the option to do so, consider bringing in a trusted loved one who has experience with your symptoms to your appointment. Discuss your goals with them, explain why you’re interested in seeing this physician specifically, and let them know how they can be most helpful to you during your visit. This person won’t just be able to step in if it seems as though your conversation with your doctor isn’t going as planned; they might also remember to ask questions or raise concerns that you don’t think of yourself.
4. Ask “Why?”
Your physician should be comfortable with explaining the “why” of any aspect of your treatment to you–and, chances are, they will be. Don’t hesitate to ask your physician why they’re prescribing a specific medication or recommending a certain course of action. By being inquisitive, you’re empowering yourself with more knowledge about not only your chronic fatigue, but about potential avenues for finding relief. That’s something you’re completely entitled to do. You are an active participant in your health journey; in fact, you’re the most important participant. Feeling like you have a baseline understanding of your treatment plan and options is crucial for being the best advocate you can be for yourself.
5. Work with a Concierge Physician
Ultimately, the best way to be your own best advocate is when you’re empowered to do so by a doctor who is your advocate, too. A concierge physician is the best option for this. Concierge doctors are unique, because unlike traditional physicians who see you once (or maybe a few times) in a year, a concierge doctor has continuous access to their patients. This means they never have to “catch up” on your chart or scramble for your file.
Many patients have 24/7 communication capabilities with their concierge doctors, meaning that the physicians never miss an important step in their patient’s health journey. This is important, especially in the event of an emergency or hospitalization, when you may not be able to advocate for yourself. The best thing you can do for your health and wellness is to have a person in your corner who’s not only a medical expert, but an expert on your unique health profile.