Medicolegal 101: How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor's Office!
In this video, we'll go over the BEST ways you can advocate for and thus empower yourself as a patient when you visit the doctor. These tips will strengthen the physician-patient relationship and ensure both parties are respected and perform their roles to optimize healthcare outcomes. 1) Prepare for Your Appointment: Before your appointment, write down a list of your concerns, symptoms, or questions. Be specific and prioritize the most important ones. This will help ensure that you address all your concerns during the visit. 2) Be Clear and Concise: When discussing your health concerns with your doctor, provide clear and concise information. Describe your symptoms, their duration, and any triggers or patterns you have noticed. Avoid making assumptions or self-diagnosing, but convey your observations and experiences accurately. 3) Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions if you don't understand something. Request clarification if the doctor uses medical jargon or explains something you find confusing. Understanding your condition, treatment options, and potential risks is crucial for making informed decisions about your health. 4) Seek Additional Information: If your doctor suggests a particular diagnosis, treatment plan, or medication, inquire about the evidence supporting their recommendations. Ask about alternative options, potential side effects, and the expected outcomes. Request reliable sources of information to educate yourself further. 5) Be Assertive and Express Concerns: If you have concerns about the proposed treatment plan or if you feel your doctor is not addressing your needs adequately, express your concerns respectfully but assertively. It's essential to be an active participant in your healthcare decisions and ensure your voice is heard. 6) Request Second Opinions: If you have reservations or uncertainties about a diagnosis or treatment plan, it's entirely acceptable to seek a second opinion from another qualified healthcare professional. This can help you gain additional perspectives and ensure you are making the best decisions for your health. 7) Follow-up: ALWAYS go to your follow up appointments and make sure you pick up your prescriptions timely. In other words, please listen to and follow your physician's instructions. Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 1:00 Best self-advocacy tips! --- Balance l Justice l Mizan Hi, I'm Dr. Nahim Mizan, MD, medicolegal consulting physician with Family Medicine training, Los Angeles native, and founder of Mizan Coaching, LLC. I wholeheartedly took the leap of faith from clinical medicine to medicolegal consulting, earning certifications in medical ethics and jurisprudence. I focus on accomplishing 3 goals: to improve healthcare systems globally, to educate my fellow physicians to improve and protect their clinical practices, and to advocate for patients in a system riddled with inequity. Follow our channel and we'll unravel the niche field of the medicolegal sector and learn how best to operate within the system to maximize patient advocacy and prevent medical malpractice. --- Medicolegal 101 playlist: • Medicolegal 101 --- Support our channel: https://buymeacoffee.com/drmizan If you are interested in 1-on-1 coaching (medical life coaching, alternative medical careers, entry into the medicolegal sector) or for business inquiries, contact us at [email protected] 📨 #medicolegal #drmizan #patientadvocacy #medicalmalpractice #medicalcoaching
