By Antoinette Leonard-Jean Charles, EdD
We hear it constantly in wellness circles and clinical spaces: “Advocate for yourself.” But when you’re anxious, overwhelmed, or already exhausted, what does that look like?
Being a well-advocated patient isn’t about being combative or “difficult.” It’s about being prepared, informed, and confident in your role in your care. It means understanding your rights, knowing the questions to ask, and having someone in your corner, even if that someone is a checklist or a trained advocate. How can anyone do that in a 15-minute visit or over an EHR email system, with upwards of 30 – 60 days between visits?
Here’s what strong patient advocacy looks like:
- Bringing written questions to your appointment
- Understanding your insurance benefits before procedures—you do not have to know all of them, but the most important ones.
- EOB: The Eligibility of Benefits for that year
- Copays for annuals, follow-ups, and specialists in and out of network
- Tier 1 and Tier 2 Drugs for that year (they have the lower cost and will typically be covered by insurance) for your condition
- Asking, “What are my options?” instead of just saying yes to everything
- Always consider the risks and benefits
- Ask what happens if I do nothing
- Taking notes—or having someone take them for you
- Saying, “I need time to think about that before deciding”
Why It Matters:
When you are clear about your needs, boundaries, and options, the dynamic in the exam room shifts, and you move from being a passive recipient of care to an active participant in your health. That’s powerful.
At CurateMed, our advocacy services help you prepare for appointments, review confusing paperwork, and navigate medical systems that often feel overwhelming. We’re not here to speak for you but to equip you to speak for yourself.
