Closing the Health Gap: How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor
Know the landscape
Research has repeatedly documented that Black patients' pain is under-treated and their concerns sometimes dismissed. Knowing this isn't meant to discourage you — it's meant to prepare you to advocate firmly and effectively for the care you deserve.
You are the expert on your own body. A good provider is a partner, not an authority you can't question.
Before the appointment
Write down your symptoms with specifics: when they started, how often, how severe on a 1–10 scale, and what makes them better or worse. Bring a current list of medications and your family history.
Decide your top two or three priorities for the visit so you're not rushed past what matters most. If you can, bring someone you trust to listen and take notes.
During the appointment
State your main concern first and clearly. If you feel unheard, it's okay to say, 'I need you to take this seriously,' or ask, 'What else could this be?' Request that your concern be documented in your chart.
Ask for plain-language explanations, and don't leave until you understand the diagnosis, the plan, and the warning signs that should send you back.
After the appointment
Get copies of your records and test results — you have a right to them. If something feels wrong or unresolved, seek a second opinion without guilt.
Preventive care matters most: regular check-ups, screenings, and managing blood pressure and blood sugar early prevent far larger problems later.
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