The most important thing you can do as a patient, whether you have a chronic or acute illness, is self-advocate. I’ve learned this lesson in life; it is one of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned, and it didn’t happen overnight. As persons of color, we are plagued by health-related disparities, and are not only less likely to seek medical attention, but we are also less likely to SELF-ADVOCATE! Here’s to sharing some of the knowledge I’ve picked up along the way.
1. Read the reviews. If Dr. X graduated at the top of her class from Harvard Med, but just about all the reviewers can vouch that she has a terrible attitude, is disorganized, or is chronically late without reason or remorse, Dr X shouldn’t be getting a visit from you. #ByeFelicia! Hospitals have a directory of physicians that they can refer you to, and you’re really better off starting here anyway.
2. Think of your patient-doctor interactions as dates. If he/she is arrogant, toss ‘em. Interrupts you while your speaking and doesn’t let you continue? Toss ‘em. If there is no dialogue because your physician has chosen your 15-minute slot to completely drown you in his/her Grey’s Anatomy-meets-Shakespearean soliloquy. Toss ‘em, toss ‘em, toss ‘em. Because in a relationship, you expect mutual respect and turn-taking. Finally, if your physician lacks the basic skills for human social interaction, pray to God the MCATs have been reformatted and…toss 'em.
3. When in doubt, check it out. If you’ve made it to the casket, it’s too late.
4. Is this physician an accurate representation of the exceptional service they claim to provide? I once visited a dermatologist who wore a full face of makeup and blemishes. She pushed a million services in my face. Biology is biology, but what can you do for me if you can’t do it for yourself? Not my co-pay!
5. Always draft a list of questions you may have PRIOR to your visit. Many physicians, especially older physicians, have what I call a “revolving door practice”. This means that they’re trying to see as many patients as possible in a day and get them in and out the door like a revolving door. You ever wonder why your physician always ask you if you have any questions as they are closing file and getting up to usher you out the door? Right. Incorporate your questions into the visit and make sure they all get answered.
6. If you are not familiar with medical jargon, ask your physician to explain everything to you at a level that makes you comfortable and also facilitates your understanding of the information.
7. Know the names of all of your medications, the mechanism of action (how it works), some information about potentially-threatening drug interactions, and the dosage. Share this information with each new physician. If you are allergic to any medications, that should almost be the first thing that comes out of your mouth. Your physician should take care to avoid prescribing any medications within that class or with similar MOA or ingredients. Carry an emergency contact card with this information that you carry with you at all times. If you go down, God forbid they give you something your body will not respond well too.
8. No one knows your body better than you do. If something feels out of place, tell your physician - no matter how silly it sounds; describe the exact sensation, how long ago you began experiencing symptoms, and any changes in frequency and severity. If your physician is being dismissive, (toss 'em and) seek a second opinion. Serious illnesses are too often overlooked and misdiagnosed.
9. You do not have to consent to services if you don’t want to for whatever reason (religious and cultural). Or if you feel like the treatments are unnecessary. Or if the details of treatment were not explained to you. Additionally, there is a different between treating the symptoms of an illness and treating the cause of an illness.
10. If you are a student who needs accommodations in class and for testing, seek them out early in the semester. If you know that you’re illness seriously impacts your academic performance, “put your pride aside” and seek the help of a special student services counselor. If you’re paying for school, you might as well get as much out of it as you can to help you be as successful as you can be.
11. Understand your healthcare plan. What is covered? What isn’t? What physicians are in network and out of network with your plan? What are the out of network fees associated with certain services? Can you file a claim for that service?
amandla
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