Patient Advocacy — ACM Heart2Heart

If you're like me, most of the time, medical appointments feel really short, they may be uncomfortable, and you only remember what you wanted to ask or say after the appointment is over. Plus you might not understand everything the doctor says. It's ok. We've all been there.

The thing is, you have a superpower.

You know yourself and your own body.

Here are some tips to make talking to your doctor easier:

Outline what you want to talk about. Jot down questions or concerns related to your appointment. It helps to be organized, since the average doctor visit only lasts about 20 minutes.
There are some handy pre-appointment planners below you can download if you want to make that targeted discussion process easier.
A friend you trust or a family member can give you not only emotional support at your appointment, but they can also take notes to help you remember important points.
It's really smart to have another set of eyes, ears, and hands to help, especially if you're tackling confusing or complicated topics.
Knowledge is power.
If there's a word you don't know, ask for a definition.
If there's a concept or a treatment you don't understand, ask for an explanation.
If you don't know why the doctor wants to run a test or change your medications, ask them to break it down for you.
Sometimes it also helps to repeat what the doctor says in your own words to make sure you've got it right.
Your doctor is your partner in health and can be one of your best teachers. They know that the more you understand, the better healthcare choices you can make.
There has been a recent push to allow patients to see their own patient records within EHR systems. Ask your doctor if they have a patient portal that you can visit to see your test results, track your health data, and even get educational materials about different health conditions.
Tell your medical team about everything. Let them know if you're having new symptoms. Tell them if you're having trouble with your meds. Be upfront about how much you exercise and how you manage your diet.
It might be tempting to leave out things like alcohol use, smoking, problems with bodily functions, or memory issues, but please don't. Your team needs a true picture of your health so that they can give you the right treatment.
Honesty equals better care.

Your mental health matters as much as your physical health, too. If you're struggling with all the emotions that can come from dealing with a condition like ACM, you're not alone. Talking about it can help, and your medical team can point you toward professional resources if you need them.
Body and mind are both part of the path toward wellness.