Being your own healthcare advocate empowers you to actively participate in your treatment, communicate effectively with your providers, and make informed decisions.
Self-advocacy leads to better, more personalized care, reduces the likelihood of errors, and provides you with timely access to information and treatments. It also creates long-term health management, improves confidence and positively impacts your overall wellbeing.
Tips for Being Your Own Advocate
Here are some tips and ideas for acting on your own behalf:
- The most effective way to share your ideas and concerns is by being respectful and direct.
- Recognize that your team consists of caring people with the shared goal of providing the best treatment for you.
- Actively participate in the decision-making process through all phases of treatment.
- You’re not seen as a nuisance for asking questions. Most diagnoses are complicated diseases with complex treatments.
- Your doctors will not be offended if you ask for a second opinion. They can help you make those arrangements.
- Your care is multidisciplinary and comprehensive. If you have questions about nutrition, exercise, or complementary treatments, there are specialists who can provide additional care in these areas.
- There may be more than one team member available for you to approach.
- Don’t be afraid to ask what a medical term means.
- You can advocate for the information that you want to know and the information that you don’t.
- You may not need to wait for tests or scan results. Be proactive in requesting them.
- Know yourself. Ask for what you need. Ask again.
- If you’re too ill, tired, weak, or have “medication brain,” find a close friend or family member who is trustworthy, respectful, and knowledgeable that can speak on your behalf.
- Find peers and experts who can provide suggestions and directions for your journey.
- A medical or mental health diagnosis can affect many areas of your life. Use your advocacy skills in other settings such as work, home, and in your community.
If you need help advocating for yourself, please reach out. We’re here to help!
Care you will love.
First Stop Health providers are here to care for you! You can schedule a visit with our primary care providers, certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians to talk about your health concerns. All our visits are virtual, so you can get care from where you're most comfortable!
