What does it mean for a patient to take an active role in their health care?
As a patient, it is important to take an active role in your health care because you are your own best advocate.
You should never feel bad to speak up, ask questions, and seek answers about your health or the health of a family member in your care, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Your health care is a team effort, of which you are an important part.
The HHS suggests some ways to be active in your health care including:
- asking questions of your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, and other members of your care team
- being prepared for medical appointments
- keeping track of your health information
- knowing your family health history
- taking notes during visits to keep records of care information you need
- visiting your doctor for regular check ups
For more ideas about how you can be active in your health care, talk with your doctor.
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