Stand Up for Your Health

Diagnosis & TreatmentPatient Advocay
Written By Abigail Mangum

With Dr. Irina Koyfman

Notes:

Maximizing Your Doctor’s Appointment

  • The average doctor spends only 13 minutes with you during a visit.

  • Help your providers understand how to care for you more effectively.

  • Learn how to guide your providers for better outcomes.

  • If a visit ends in just 5 minutes, ask yourself: What am I truly getting from this?

During Your Appointment:

  • Always take notes.

  • Review the key points you want your doctor to know.

  • Ask: "Dr. _____, if I were your sister, what would you advise?"

When You Don’t Want a Treatment:

  • Be clear about why you do or don’t want a specific treatment.

  • Ask: "Dr. _____, if I were your sister, what would you advise?"

  • Use telehealth for second opinions when possible.

  • Ask thoughtful and relevant questions.

Coordinating Care:

  • Print and summarize your important medical information.

  • Always have open conversations with your providers.

  • Ask: "Doc, can you help me understand this?"

Abigail Mangum
Next

Sarcoidosis Q&A