Advocating for Yourself at the Doctor’s Office Samantha Herbert, Olivia Kam, Renee Haughton
W
hether you are newly diagnosed with pemphigus or pemphigoid (P/P) or you’ve been living with it for a while, medical visits can be overwhelming. There are many options to manage and treat P/P, so two patients with the same disease may receive different recommendations. Doctors learn in medical school that medicine is an art, and there are many factors, such as age, other medical problems, allergies, and support at home, that may help your doctor tailor the best treatment for you. It is important to also remember that you know your skin and body better than anyone else. As a person with P/P, you have the right to make fully-informed choices about your health. Most doctors are happy to
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provide any information you need to make those decisions, called patient-centered care. We’ve put together a list of ways to advocate for yourself with your doctor.
Come prepared with all your health information. Make sure to get any lab orders completed before you come to your appointment. Bring any medical records such as office visit notes, lab results, or pathology results from your previous doctors who have treated you. Write down and/or take pictures of your symptoms (and when they occurred) and all the past and current medications (pills, creams, shots) you have taken or used. This information is important for the doctor’s assessment
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