Feeling Like the Underdog in Healthcare? How to Advocate for Yourself in Midlife

Do you ever feel like an underdog when it comes to your medical care?

Navigating healthcare systems is NOT for the faint of heart!

This is especially true for those with cancer, chronic disease, autoimmune conditions, the dreaded “no diagnosis yet” label… and, even peri/menopause.

Unfortunately, many physicians still work in silos with no time to truly listen, no control over double-booked schedules, no reprieve from insurance regulations, and no relief on the horizon.

Which does not bode well for those who need more than just box-checked care. ✅❌

Vulnerable humans do not care about organizational metrics – electronic medical record encounters closed in < 24 hours, Medicare wellness exams documented, complex conditions properly coded, or compliance parameters met…

Instead, the focus should be on:

💎 Being Curious – Those with chronic conditions may be unfairly labeled with anxiety. Yes, they may actually have anxiety, but it may be due to pain or debilitating symptoms that have not fit nicely into a unifying diagnosis.

💎 Minimizing Referrals – There is nothing more frustrating than waiting weeks or months for an appointment, only to be referred instantly to a specialist… with another long wait to get in. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix to this system problem.

💎 Streamlining Access – Clear communication about follow-up is essential. Is it via the patient portal? With a nurse or other staff member? Are questions about test results welcome? Is a follow-up appointment scheduled or just “as needed?” Access doesn’t have to be perfect, just clear.

💎 Establishing Goals – Considering next steps can be grounding for everyone involved. Anticipating test results, being clear on how to handle the unknowns, and reinforcing good communication models helps nourish human relationships.

💎 Listening – Studies have readily shown that patients’ perception of time spent with a physician is impacted by being listened to and not being prematurely or repeatedly interrupted. A 10 minute appointment can actually seem longer than a 40 minute appointment, if patients feel truly heard.

💎 Time Mastery – Adhering to a time framework is essential to being productive. Think of it like an important C-suite meeting: Arrive on time, have an agenda, hit the important topics, save lesser items for another day or venue, and respect everyone’s role. Sure, some meetings go off the rail, but it’s an opportunity to regroup and/or do better next time.

Facing serious health concerns is stressful enough… it’s reassuring to have a physician advocate in your corner. 💪

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Susan J. Baumgaertel, MD is an internal medicine physician who provides telemedicine medical consultation and advocacy for patients in WA state, and professional career pivot navigation support for physicians in the US. Find her at myMDadvocate. 

Her book, The Menopause Menu, is an all-in-one giftbook, medical guide and recipe book for navigating menopause.

Join her talk show, Voices With Vigor, which is free, live & virtual. Topics are health-adjacent, and the monthly guest lineup is impressive.