Get the Most Out of Your Health Care
Tips for feeling more confident and advocating for yourself.
Healthcare and You
Healthcare is a complex system, and it's different around the world. While many things make the system feel difficult to navigate, like the system itself, our beliefs and attitudes, time, money, and more, there are simple things you can do to make it easier to get the most out of your health care.
At every stage of health care, from making an appointment, to what questions to ask, and what to do after the appointment's over, knowledge about your options can help you feel empowered, advocate for your needs, and feel more confident in navigating healthcare overall.
When to Make an Appointment
We often don't think about making a medical or mental health appointment until something's going wrong or doesn't feel right. While it's important to make an appointment if something's been going on for a while, is interfering with your life, or causing discomfort/distress, there are many other times to make an appointment. Having a preventive and proactive mindset about health care can help you feel better sooner and stay healthy longer. Seeing a medical or mental health provider when before there's an issue can help identify problems earlier, start treatment sooner if necessary, and save time, money, effort, and discomfort in the long run.
Here's a way to think about appointments you might want to make:
Note: these examples are for educational purposes only and not a substitute for individualized healthcare.
Preventive Care
When everything's fine-care that helps you stay healthy.
- annual check-up/physical
- skin check with a dermatologist
- vaccinations/boosters
- birth control consults
- lab work
- mental health check-up
- screenings
- routine dental cleaning or eye exam
Symptom Care
When something changes – new symptoms or minor issues.
- mild symptoms (sore throat, etc.)
- one-time visits
- skin concerns
- digestive issues
- mild injuries (sprained ankle, etc.)
- trouble sleeping
- mood changes
- painful periods or irregular cycles
Ongoing Care
When symptoms don't get better or need monitoring.
- physical therapy
- managing chronic health conditions
- counseling/psychiatry
- support with long-term symptoms
- gender-affirming care
- nutrition counseling
Immediate Care
When symptoms are sudden, severe, or urgent.
- serious injury (broken bone, deep cut)
- mental health crisis
- sudden vision changes
- trouble breathing
- high fever that won’t come down
- severe allergic reaction
- sexual assault or other traumatic events
Finding A Provider
There are so many different types of medical and mental health professionals out there - primary care physicians, dermatologists, nutrition and mental health counselors, psychiatrists, physical therapists, and so many more. Finding the right fit is an important part of getting the most out of your healthcare.
Luckily, we live in a digital age where we can search for providers online. There are services to make finding appointments and providers that accept your insurance and specialize in your concerns easier. It can also be helpful to ask your friends and peers for recommendations.
Some things to consider when searching for a provider:
- Is this provider in the network of your insurance? Insurance websites and calling the provider can help you find this.
- Where is the provider located? Is this somewhere you would be willing to travel when you’re feeling sick?
- If you don’t have insurance, how are services billed?
- Does the office meet your accessibility needs? (Online book appointments, elevators and ramps)
- Is the provider specialized in any way? (specializes in women’s health, chronic illness, etc)
- Are you more comfortable with someone who shares your gender/identity?
- How frequently are you looking to see someone/Does their availability make sense with my schedule?
Scheduling & Preparing for Your Appointment
You've found a provider. Now what?
When you get ready to call a doctor's office, remember that the people behind the phones do this all day. It’s their job to help you get scheduled and talk you through the process. If you aren’t getting the help you need over the phone, you can choose to find a different medical/mental health provider.
Have These Handy When Scheduling Your Appointment
- your availability over the next few weeks-keep in mind that your appointment may be further out than you expect
- your health insurance card
- the name of the provider you want to see-or if you have specific gender or specialty area of a provider you want to see
- you might also be asked to give a reason for the appointment
Questions You Can Ask When Scheduling
- ask to confirm your copay if you don't know it
- if a provider isn't available, you can ask to be directed to another practice with similar offerings
- ask what you need to bring to your appointment
- confirm office location and arrival time
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- a goal - what do you want to address? what outcome are you hoping for
- a list of medications and supplements
- your photo ID and insurance card
- any notes about your symptoms (duration, description, frequency, etc.)
- a list of specific questions you might have (anchor tag below)
- a friend/parent - they can help take notes, ask questions, and support you in your appointment.
During Your Appointment
Remember that this appointment is your time. While your provider has a lot of knowledge and expertise, their main goal is to help you.
Tips for Staying on Track in Your Appointment
- Ask your provider, “what can I expect today?”
- Speak up if you don’t understand something they’ve said
- Ask clarifying questions throughout the appointment
- Take notes. It can be helpful to write in your own words what the doctor has told you in the moment.
- Ask them to summarize what they’ve told you at the end of the appointment and clarify next steps at the end of the appointment
- Ask how you can contact your provider, whether it be by phone, patient portal, or email.
Good to know:
- You’re allowed to refuse to be weighed or ask not to see your weight.
- You can say no to having scribes, interns, or medical students present.
- You can tell your provider if you're uncomfortable with anything they suggest.
General Questions to Ask Your Provider
This will depend on the provider and the kind of appointment you are seeking, but here are general questions to help you get started:
- Do I need any tests?
- What caused the illness/condition?
- Will I need any follow-up appointments?
- Potential side effects of any test, medication, vaccine, etc.?
- How often should I be visiting?
- How does my family history affect my concerns or condition?
- I’m concerned about “X.” What precautions should I take? How worried should I be?
- What are reliable resources for more information about this?
- Is there anything I should be asking about that we haven't covered?
After Your Appointment
- Reflect: It can be helpful to write some notes after the appointment to reflect on what happened, what worked or didn't work for you, remaining questions, and whether you would like to see that provider again.
- Lab results: If you get lab results, you can follow up with your provider about what they mean and any next steps they recommend.
- Follow-up appointment: If your provider recommends following up, try to schedule that visit before you leave the office. If you have to wait to schedule, put a reminder in your calendar to call for your follow-up.
- Keep learning: If you want to do your own research at home about a condition or medication discussed in your appointment, go to a reputable source.