Radical Female Healthcare
How to advocate for yourself in the medical system
Hello ladies, I just spoke to a medical professional friend and asked her how we could make the most informed medical decisions for ourselves. This is what she told me.
1. Come informed.
When you have a doctor's appointment, it's always a good idea to come prepared with a basic understanding of your symptoms and medical history. This can help you communicate more effectively with your healthcare provider and ensure that your needs are being addressed. Here are some tips for coming informed to your doctor's appointment:
Write down your symptoms and any questions you may have in advance of your appointment.
Do some research on your symptoms and potential conditions or treatments that may be relevant to your situation.
Bring a list of any medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.
Be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any conditions you've been diagnosed with and any surgeries or procedures you've undergone.
Don't be afraid to ask questions and advocate for yourself if you feel like your concerns are not being addressed.
2. Know your family history.
Understanding your family's medical history can be important in determining your risk for certain health conditions. Here are some tips for knowing your family history:
Talk to your relatives about any medical conditions that run in your family.
Ask about the age at which family members were diagnosed with certain conditions.
Make a list of any medical conditions that have affected multiple members of your family.
Share this information with your healthcare provider, as it can help them determine which screenings and preventative measures may be appropriate for you.
3. Keep a medical journal.
Keeping a medical journal can be an incredibly helpful tool for managing chronic health conditions and communicating with your healthcare provider. Here are some tips for keeping a medical journal:
Keep track of any symptoms you experience, including the date, time, and severity of each symptom.
Record any medications you take, including the dosage and any side effects you experience.
Make note of any changes in your diet or exercise routine.
Write down any questions or concerns you have for your healthcare provider.
4. Find a community.
Finding a supportive community of people who understand what you're going through can be incredibly helpful when dealing with chronic health conditions. Here are some tips for finding community:
Join online support groups, such as Facebook groups or subreddits, that focus on your condition.
Look for local support groups in your area.
Consider reaching out to friends or family members who may also be dealing with health issues.
5. Find a GP you love!
Having a healthcare provider who you trust and feel comfortable with can make a big difference in your healthcare experience. It's also important to remember that it's okay to switch providers if you don't feel like your needs are being met. Here are some tips for finding a GP you love:
Ask for recommendations from friends or family members.
Look for healthcare providers who specialize in treating your condition.
Consider factors such as location, availability, and communication style when choosing a provider.
6. Ask your doctor to document any refusal of service.
If you encounter a healthcare provider who refuses to provide a service, treatment, or referral that you believe is necessary for your healthcare, it can be helpful to ask them to document this refusal in your medical chart. This can be important for several reasons:
It creates a record of the refusal, which can be useful if you need to pursue legal action or file a complaint with a regulatory agency.
It helps to ensure that your healthcare provider is aware that you feel a certain service or treatment is necessary for your healthcare.
It may help to prevent future refusals of service by alerting other healthcare providers to the issue.
When asking your doctor to document a refusal of service, be clear about what service or treatment was refused and why you believe it is necessary for your healthcare. You may also want to ask for a copy of the documentation for your own records.
7. Ask your doctor for a brief summary of the next steps.
After a medical appointment or procedure, it can be helpful to ask your doctor for a brief summary of what happened and what the next steps are. This can help you to better understand your healthcare and feel more in control of the process. Here are some tips for asking for a summary:
Be specific about what you want to know. For example, you might ask, "Can you give me a brief summary of what we discussed today and what the next steps are?"
Take notes during the appointment so that you can refer back to them later.
If you don't understand something, don't be afraid to ask your doctor to explain it in more detail.
8. Ask for alternatives!
If you're not happy with your current healthcare provider, it's okay to ask for alternatives. Here are some tips for finding a new healthcare provider:
Ask for recommendations from friends or family members.
Look for healthcare providers who specialize in treating your condition.
Research providers online and read reviews from other patients.
Consider factors such as location, availability, and communication style when choosing a provider.
When asking for doctor alternatives, be clear about what you're looking for in a healthcare provider, and don't be afraid to ask questions during your search. It's important to find a provider who you trust and feel comfortable with.
Love the articles lately, you are on fire!
Edit: The only thing I would add to this, in the light of the recent political climate in the US, is to be proactive when it comes to taking care of your own health necessities if you can. At the time of writing this, ab0rt|0n p1||$ are still legal to order through telehealth in all 50 states at a nominal cost, and they keep for up to 2 years. P/@n B, some forms of b1rth c0ntr0|, c0nd0m$ etc can all be purchased online or in advance. Other medications for many different kinds of needs may be able to be acquired through non-conventional methods. My advice is to get a safe and begin to stockpile. Make connections as well, someone might be able to help you when you need it.