Long, drawn-out waits, a series of doctor visits, and a series of ineffective treatments are unfortunately common for Americans looking to address their health concerns. Whether you are navigating chronic pain, identifying mysterious new symptoms, or managing a chronic condition, getting your health concerns addressed effectively is not always easy.
Navigating this process can make you feel as if you are out of control of your own health. The good news is that there are steps that you can take to take care of your health concerns effectively and take back control of your body.
Here are some important steps that can help your health journey go smoothly.
See the Right Specialist
One of the first mistakes that people make when they want to address their health concerns is only turning to their primary care provider. While primary care doctors provide valuable advice, they cannot give you the right treatment options for all conditions.
Do some initial research to find out which specialist you need to see. There are more medical specialties than most patients realize.
One of the most common areas where people go to the wrong specialist is when dealing with chronic pain. If you’re suffering from back pain, chronic migraines, or other conditions that cause you continuous pain, the best course of action is to see a pain management doctor Dallas or in your local area to help you come up with a plan. For these conditions, pain management is the first priority rather than diagnostics or treatment.
When you visit a specialist, prepare a list of your symptoms and concerns so that they have full knowledge of what you have been dealing with.
Advocate for Yourself
Many patients are not able to take care of their health concerns because they are dismissed. This does not happen because medical professionals are evil—they are often overworked and overwhelmed and may not realize just how serious your concerns may be.
One of the most important skills that can help you when navigating your health concerns is self-advocacy. While medical professionals are experts in their field, that does not mean they are always right. If you feel as if something is not right with your treatment, say something.
Learning how to advocate for yourself in this medical system with insurance and with doctors can be scary. Be polite but firm. If someone is denying you a referral that you need, request that they put the denial in your chart along with an explanation. If you are worried about doing this work by yourself, bring along a trusted loved one or professional patient advocate, which some medical systems have, to support you.
Write Everything Down
Addressing health concerns can take many months of appointments, different specialists, and rounds of tests. While this is not the most pleasant experience, it is necessary from the perspective of doctors to reach an accurate diagnosis and eliminate inaccurate ones.
The result of this journey can be confusing for both patients and doctors. Test results can get misplaced, diagnostic tests can get repeated by accident, and inaccurate treatment plans can get set as you go from doctor to doctor.
Writing everything down and keeping it in one place can help you and your care team address your health concerns effectively. Simply writing down a list of your concerns so you don’t forget to ask an important question when you get to the doctor’s office can help. For more complicated health journeys, some people create a binder full of test results and treatment options for reference.
Adjust Your Lifestyle
Managing your health concerns effectively happens outside of the doctor’s office as much as it does inside it. Certain lifestyle changes can help you feel better and manage your health conditions.
Before adjusting your lifestyle, talk to your doctor or medical professional about their recommendations. Most people benefit from simple lifestyle changes such as eating more vegetables, reducing stress, and exercising more, but these changes can exacerbate some chronic pain conditions.
Once you get your doctor’s approval, work on healthy changes in your daily routine. Small lifestyle adjustments can help you manage your health concerns with better results—in addition to medical treatment, of course.
Getting the Best Outcomes for Your Health
You don’t have to feel helpless when faced with the healthcare system. You can take control of your health concerns by advocating for yourself, recording everything, and researching specialists who can address your problems.
The most important skill you can learn is being proactive. Ask questions, do your own research, and tell people what you are feeling. You know your body better than anyone. If you notice something is not working for you, talk to your medical team until they help you address your concerns.
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