To get the best care possible, it’s important to understand how to advocate for yourself when you visit a health care professional.
Military members, their families, and Veterans deserve high-quality, accessible health care. The Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have a vast network of community providers ready to deliver this care. However, the health care system may feel overwhelming for some patients. Perhaps you have left an appointment feeling disappointed that you didn’t ask more questions or you’ve received a document in the mail you’re unsure how to read.
To get the best care possible, it’s important to understand how to advocate for yourself when you visit a health care professional. Check out these strategies to help you get the most out of your health care experiences.
The Importance of Self-Advocacy
You know your body best, so you’re in the best position to advocate for your health. Advocating for yourself means speaking up and taking action to ensure your needs are met. Self-advocacy has benefits, including:
- Empowering yourself with knowledge to make informed decisions.
- Navigating the health care system confidently.
- Fostering better health outcomes for yourself.
- Understanding the costs and coverage of your health care.
Strategies to Help You Advocate for Yourself
The following strategies are compiled from the Department of Homeland Security and Time Magazine.
- Understand your rights as a patient. No matter where you receive care, you have patient rights. These rights include the right to be treated with respect, the right to learn about your treatment’s risks and benefits, the right to ask questions about your health, and the right to a second opinion. Understanding your rights can help you have the best health care experience possible.
- Bring someone with you. Having a close friend or family member come to your appointments can be a big help. They can be another set of ears to listen to instructions, can translate for you if necessary, or take notes. As the patient, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, so having someone with you can help relieve some of that pressure.
- Get a second opinion. If you feel unsure about something related to your care, or if you’re just curious about different ideas and approaches, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion. You can even change providers when necessary.
- Prepare ahead of time. Before you see a health care provider, write down questions and concerns you want addressed and get familiar with topics you’d like to discuss. You don’t want to self-diagnose, but it can be helpful to read up on your symptoms, possible treatments, and more. Practicing what you’ll say or writing it down beforehand can help you use time more efficiently.
- Ask questions. It’s important to understand your care, so ask for clarification if you’re unsure about something. You can ask about side effects of medications you’re being prescribed or about different treatment options to explore.
- Understand your next moves. Before you leave any appointment, make sure you know what to do moving forward. What are your provider’s expectations and directions for you? Do not leave the office until you feel confident about next steps.
- Know how to follow-up. If you have a complaint or a question about your care, you can follow up about it.
- Start by speaking to a member of your health care team.
- If you feel like your concerns aren’t being addressed properly, you can check on the health plan’s website for information on how to file a grievance.
- Connect with a patient advocate. A patient advocate can help you take charge of your care. Check out the information below to learn more.
The Role of a Patient Advocate
Patient advocates can help you navigate the health care system in several ways. They may:
- Share your compliments or praise for staff members.
- Ask questions and speak up on your behalf.
- Connect you to the resources you need.
- Help you understand your bill or apply for financial assistance.
- File complaints about your health care experience.
You deserve high-quality health care you can count on. TRICARE and the VA offer resources like patient advocates to ensure they’re delivering the best care possible to our nation’s heroes.
TRICARE Beneficiaries
Military hospitals and clinics have patient advocates and Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinators (BCACs) on staff. As a TRICARE beneficiary, you can contact both patient advocates and BCACs if you have questions or concerns.
Patient advocates are trained experts who can explain your patient rights, help you address and resolve your concerns, and more. BCACs can help you understand and access TRICARE benefits and services, including areas such as eligibility, enrollment, referrals, and claims processing. To find a patient advocate or BCAC, ask the hospital staff for their office location or look up their information online.
VA Health Care
If you get care through VA, you can connect with VA’s Patient Advocacy Program. The program is for all Veterans and their families who receive care at VA health care facilities. VA patient advocates are highly trained professionals specifically designated at each medical center who can help resolve your concerns. If you need assistance, talk to the patient advocate at your VA medical center.
You are your own best advocate. Be prepared for your health care appointments and understand what resources are available to help you get the most out of your health care.