You should speak up both in the public sector, such as at the voting booth and by writing to legislators, and in private, in your relationship with your physician. You and Your Doctors Just as your health care providers have many patients, you as someone with a complex chronic illness may have many health care providers. Your Responsibilities as a Patient While your primary physician should help you coordinate your care by multiple specialists, you are your own best advocate and the main bridge between your various caregivers. To receive the best care, you must be an equal partner and active participant in the treatment relationship. When Problems Arise If you have problems in the doctor-patient relationship, don t be surprised.
All relationships have troubles now and then.
Relationships have to be updated from time to time a mutual refocusing on common concerns. But, as with a marriage, don t just accept the problems and don t just walk out. Try to work things out because continuity of care is important. So tell your doctor what s troubling you what ticks you off just as you would with a spouse or friend. If you don t communicate your concerns, the relationship can t improve.