Advocating Starts at Your Doctor's Office

Advocating for Yourself Starts at the Doctor’s Office

When people think of healthcare advocacy, they often assume the battle begins with the insurance company. But in many cases, the first - and most important - step starts in your doctor’s office.

Two Very Different Patient Journeys

Scenario 1: Becoming the Expert

Imagine this: You’re dealing with a complex, misunderstood medical condition. Maybe it took years to finally get a diagnosis—or maybe you're still undiagnosed but strongly suspect what’s going on. You've seen specialist after specialist, only to leave appointments with more questions than answers.

So, you start researching. You dive into medical literature, case studies, support groups, and firsthand patient experiences. Before long, you know more about your condition than the providers you’re seeing. You find yourself educating the doctors—only to have them perform a quick Google search and suddenly act like they're the experts. Then they recommend treatments you know won’t help—or worse, will harm you.

This is the moment you have to shift from patient to advocate. You have to push back, speak up, and fight for the care you know you need.

This was my story—and it was exhausting. It was also empowering. It taught me how to stand up for myself in a broken system.

Scenario 2: Trusting Too Much

Now imagine a different story—one I saw often as a medical assistant.  A patient with multiple chronic conditions trusts every word their doctor says, without question.

They don’t know what medications they’re taking, what their diagnoses are, or what labs or imaging they actually need. They’re prescribed drugs to treat the side effects of other drugs. They never ask about alternatives with fewer side effects. They’re sent for unnecessary tests while missing the right ones.

This person isn’t lazy or careless—they just never knew they were allowed to question the system.

Tips for Advocating for Yourself at the Doctor’s Office

Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into managing a rare or complex condition, here are actionable steps you can take:

Do Your Homework

• Research your diagnoses, tests, and medications.

• Join support groups (in-person or online) to connect with others who understand your condition.

Speak Up and Ask Questions

• If a doctor recommends something that feels wrong or harmful, say something.

• If something doesn’t sound right, ask for a second—or third—opinion.

• Found a treatment or therapy that works for others with your condition?  Bring it up. Your voice matters.

• Communicate with providers in a clear, assertive, and respectful way. 

Prepare for Every Appointment

• Write down questions ahead of time. Don’t be afraid to pull out your list during the visit.

• Take notes during your appointment or bring someone to do it for you.

• Ask someone you trust to go with you to your appointment.  They can advocate for you and may remember details that you forgot. 

• Take prior medical records from other facilities/healthcare organizations with you and ask for them to be scanned into your chart. 

Escalating Issues When Needed

• Try to speak with the practice manager about your issue to try to resolve it with them.

• Request a patient advocate at the facility if you need to.

• File a complaint with the Patient Satisfaction Department if you are not satisfied with your care or if you have a concern. 

• Understand your patient rights and responsibilities.

• If your issue can't be resolved on a lower level, you can contact ombudsman services for a resolution. 

Talk to Your Pharmacist

Pharmacists are medication experts, and they can be a valuable part of your care team. Don’t hesitate to ask questions like:

• What is this medication for?

• How should I take it? With food? At a certain time?

• What are the most common and are there any serious side effects to look out for?

• Do any of my medications interact with each other, with food, or with supplements?

• Are there apps or tools that can help me remember to take my meds?

You are not “difficult” for asking questions or challenging a recommendation.

You are informed.   You are responsible. 

You are advocating for your own health—and that is something to be proud of.