Good health is the foundation of a fulfilling life. It’s easy to take it for granted when we’re feeling fine, but even a small health issue—a headache, back pain, or bloating—can derail our day and limit our ability to fully engage with the world around us. If our health has such a profound impact on our lives, why not take control of your health instead of taking a passive approach?
The truth is, navigating healthcare can be intimidating. The jargon, the time constraints, and the sense of authority surrounding medical professionals often leave patients feeling disempowered. But this doesn’t have to be the case. By learning to advocate for yourself, you can transform the way you engage with your healthcare providers, ensuring that your voice is heard and your needs are met.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or wellness routine. The content shared here is based on personal experience, research, and general knowledge, but may not be suitable for everyone.
Self-advocacy starts with recognizing that healthcare is a partnership. Research on shared decision-making (SDM)—a process where patients and providers work together to make healthcare decisions—demonstrates its value. Studies show that SDM not only improves patient satisfaction (with 74-77% of patients reporting higher satisfaction levels) but also leads to better adherence to treatment plans and improved health outcomes. By actively participating in decisions about your care, you can ensure that treatments align with your needs and goals.
Your doctor brings medical expertise to the table, but only you know your full medical history, how your body feels, and what lifestyle changes are realistic for you. Together, you can make informed decisions to protect and improve your health—but only if you take an active role in the process.
Advocating for yourself is about more than just ensuring the right tests or treatments; it’s about taking ownership of your health. It means asking questions, seeking clarity, and actively participating in decisions about your care. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, this proactive approach is empowering—and research shows it leads to better health outcomes, fewer complications, and a greater sense of control over your well-being.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can take charge of your healthcare by learning to advocate for yourself. From educating yourself about your condition to communicating effectively with your providers, you’ll gain practical tips for becoming your own best health advocate. Because when it comes to your health, your voice is your most powerful tool.
How YOU Can Begin Advocating For Yourself Today
Educate Yourself
To take control of your health, start by educating yourself about your body and condition. Being curious and learning will give you an edge to be able to ask the right questions and have productive conversations with your doctors.
This is an active process that is important for all of us to engage in. You don’t need to learn everything all at once; you can simply start by asking your doctor a few more questions each visit. Be more curious to understand what your medication is doing, or why your body is feeling the way it does. Every little piece of information will add on to the next, and before you know it, you’ll know so much and even be able to support those around you!
Recently I went to the doctor for some blood tests and when I told her I wanted to test my hormone levels due to my PCOS, I realized I was going to have to give her the list of tests I needed to run. My former doctor once had told me which hormones were important to test for and thankfully I remembered enough to know that the basic tests requested by my current doctor were not going to give me the full picture I needed. Could we argue that I should maybe switch doctors? Sure. But in that moment, it was helpful for me to have the knowledge I did so I could make sure I am getting the tests I need done.
Communicate & Question
Effective communication with your provider is one of the best ways to take control of your health and ensure you receive the care you deserve.
Communication with your provider starts from the moment you call to book your appointment. Doctors’ appointments are sometimes allotted small time slots, so giving the office detailed information about your concerns can help maximize that short appointment. Share the main concerns for your visit and any prescriptions or tests you are interested in during your booking call.
While providing information is very important, I think asking questions is the more important element. There are a lot of moving parts when we’re dealing with our health, and it’s crucial for us to have at least a fundamental understanding of what is going on. This extends to the financial aspect of healthcare. Don’t hesitate to ask about costs for visits and tests during your booking call. They might not be able to give you the most detailed estimate but you might get a general idea of the costs expected to come out of your pocket. This can allow you to anticipate costs, plan accordingly and if necessary verify your insurance coverage.
Once you’re in the room with your doctor, make sure to ask any questions about your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. The more information you have the better you will be able to care for your body alongside the treatment plan.
Don’t be embarrassed to ask for more clarification. As you learn more you will also be more confident and informed when you need to be assertive. Being assertive in front of a doctor talking about things you’ve never heard of and don’t necessarily understand can be difficult. Your health is extremely personal and it’s normal to want to know what is going on with your body and how the treatment will affect you, including any potential side effects.
Keep in mind that although most healthcare providers, like your doctors and nurses, have your best interests in mind, they approach healthcare differently. Therefore, what they might think is best for you may not align with your personal beliefs or lifestyle.
That being said, remember to be mindful of your doctor’s time. They often have a packed schedule with little time allotted for each patient. If you do have important questions that require more time than is allotted to you, ask the doctor if you can send them an email or message through their portal.
Know when you should switch providers
If a doctor is really not a good fit; if you feel that they don’t listen or take your accounts/needs seriously – you are not obliged to stay. Explore your options, ask for recommendations, and switch providers if needed to take control of your health and ensure you’re receiving the care you deserve. You have every right and deserve to be treated by a provider you can trust and build a relationship with.
The way you feel about your provider can have a huge impact on your healthcare—sometimes, it’s the difference between sticking with a treatment or walking away entirely.
According to a survey by Accenture, a whopping 67% of patients have had a negative healthcare experience. Out of those, 34% ended up switching providers or treatments, while others avoided care entirely or even stopped picking up their prescriptions. That’s how much a bad experience can impact your health decisions.
So, what do patients really want from their providers? The survey found that:
- 55% want someone who takes the time to clearly explain their condition and treatment.
- 52% want a provider who actually listens, understands their needs, and provides emotional support.
If your current provider doesn’t meet these basic expectations—if you’re not feeling heard, supported, or confident in their care—it’s okay to look for someone new. Healthcare is personal, and you deserve a provider who helps you feel empowered and in control of your health.
Be active in your care
Taking control of your health is hard to boil down to specifics, but it involves staying active in your care with a proactive attitude and clear communication. It can encompass the following elements:
- Keep track of your symptoms. This will help you give your provider detailed information so they can make a diagnosis.
- As you go through treatment, be mindful and, if relevant, track how you react to medication, what changes are helping you and which aren’t working for you, which aspects of your lifestyle are important and impact your ability to follow the doctor’s plan. For example, during my months of physical therapy, I asked my physical therapist to list the exercises in order of priority because I did not usually have the time to complete the full list.
- Feel free to ask for alternative approaches/plans if you’re uncomfortable with the suggested treatment. Most doctors are trained to medicate, not necessarily to improve our general health holistically/naturally.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for second opinions, to ask your doctor for more information but always follow up by reading and learning about the topic on your own.
- Ask for the cost of things ahead of time, and check if there are ways to get medication cheaper (i.e., Good Rx). Don’t let anyone intimidate you; this is crucial and can heavily impact your finances.
- Ask whether the provider can offer a discount or a payment plan – they usually can accommodate a payment plan and may sometimes be able to offer a discount! In some cases, you may be qualified for medical bill forgiveness – more than half of all U.S. hospitals have such programs (click here to learn more and find out if you qualify)
- Learn to access your provider’s portal. If there is no portal, ask for test results to be emailed to you so you can easily find them later.
Know when to get help!
Sometimes, your health issues can interfere with your ability to advocate for yourself. If so, try taking steps to help you still get the information and support you need:
- Write down your questions/observations before going to the doctor. You can either read the questions or hand the doctor your notes.
- Bring someone with you that you trust and make sure they know what’s going on (ideally a parent, sibling, spouse, child).
- Find a professional patient advocate
The Benefits of Being Your Best Advocate
Being able to advocate for yourself and taking an active role in your health care has been shown to improve health outcomes and adherence to treatment. Through self-advocacy, you become more knowledgeable and gain a better understanding of your treatment plans.
Self-advocacy in healthcare empowers patients to take an active role in their treatment plans, resulting in numerous benefits. Patients who advocate for themselves are more likely to adhere to medication and lifestyle changes, which can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. By being knowledgeable about their condition and treatment options, self-advocates are better equipped to navigate the healthcare system, make informed decisions, and collaborate effectively with their providers.
Research in PLOS ONE highlights that patients who feel confident in managing their health and believe in their ability to control outcomes experience better symptom management, fewer hospitalizations, and overall improved health. Furthermore, self-advocacy enhances safety, as patients who actively communicate about symptoms, medications, and side effects help healthcare providers identify potential issues early. For instance, studies have shown that older adults who engage in self-advocacy experience fewer safety incidents, such as medication errors. Beyond these tangible benefits, self-advocacy empowers patients to assert their rights, address barriers to care, and play a central role in safeguarding their well-being.
Advocating for yourself in healthcare might feel intimidating at first, but it’s one of the most empowering things you can do for your well-being. Research shows that patients who actively participate in their care experience better health outcomes, fewer complications, and higher satisfaction with their treatment. For example, studies on shared decision-making reveal that 74-77% of patients feel more satisfied when they collaborate with their providers, and they’re more likely to stick with their treatment plans as a result.
It’s also worth remembering that 67% of patients report having had a negative healthcare experience—and of those, 34% switch providers or even avoid care entirely. This highlights just how important it is to find a provider who listens, explains your treatment clearly, and makes you feel supported.
To A Better You
By asking questions, tracking your health, and speaking up about your concerns, you take charge of your care and ensure your voice is heard. Your health is deeply personal, and you deserve a provider who values your input and works with you to achieve the best possible outcomes. Start small, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself—because no one knows your body better than you, and your health is worth it.
Remember, your health is your greatest asset. Start small—ask one extra question at your next appointment or track your symptoms this week. By taking these steps, you’re not just improving your healthcare experience—you’re learning how to take control of your health and your future.
