How to advocate for yourself better in the health system

Excerpt: “The health system is changing, and if you haven’t noticed – there are some positive and negative things happening that ultimately impact patient care and health outcomes. Modern medicine is really interesting. It is dynamic and innovative as we have enhanced and expanded our ability as a society to diagnose, prevent and treat medical problems from top to bottom in the body.

Quality patient care is essential for people to have improved quality of life, better health
outcomes and longer life expectancies. And though policy and regulation changes take longer to influence and impact, there are personal and independent steps patients can take to better advocate for themselves and their loved ones.

Here are three recommendations that patients should consider to improve their ability to
advocate for themselves and their health.

1 – Understand not all doctors are the same, and you can switch if you want to.

For those with insurance, there is usually a doctor’s name on the health insurance card who is your designated or assigned PCP or primary care physician. You may have been with this person for years or never met this person. depending on your situation. But you do NOT have to stick with the person who is on your card. You do not have to stay with the person who you call your primary care physician if that person is not addressing your concerns or meeting your needs.

There is power and building a relationship with your doctor. It is not recommended that you
stay where you do not want to get care because that ultimately impacts your patient care and health care access. If you do, you might not express all your concerns to the doctor or you may even avoid making an appointment all together. So, remember, not all doctors the same, and you can switch if you want to.”

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