9 Things to Do If Doctors Do Not Believe You Are Sick

It is important to speak for yourself.

I have been told that I am in good health and that I have left the doctor's office without a medical examination because of my condition. That does not mean that doctors do not know things — they do. But this did happen. And it is important to be able to stand on your own two feet.


When I had Lyme disease, which came too late, I knew something was wrong with me but did not know what it was. I have gone through the usual procedures in the hope that I will be diagnosed. Countless doctors told me that my symptoms were still there and that I was depressed or hypochondriac. It took a  appointment with a specialist (which can be combined with my PPO insurance program) and a $ 1,100 lab test (and non-refundable for my insurance) to get my Lyme disease diagnosis.


By that time, I had been ill for about two years. And as loud as that sounds, I was lucky. I had enough money to buy my diagnostic method. Millions of other people are unlucky with their health claims.


It is amazing that women and people of color have access to quality health care. Black women die of high-risk pregnancy problems.1 Trans people face significant barriers to health care. And obese patients may receive less quality care than their thin counterparts.2 If a person falls into more than one category at a time, their chances of receiving better medical care may be even lower.


Knowing all this, it is clear that these groups of people often face health problems alone for longer than they could. The ongoing disregard for the health and well-being of people of all ages, women, people of color, and obese people is detrimental and may even endanger lives. But how can one visit a Western medical doctor and get a proper diagnosis? Forced to recover from this debilitating illness, I have worked with others to help them get the care they need. Here are my top nine tips.


Know Yourself

The more you know about the diseases that commonly afflict people your age, gender, race, lifestyle, and body type, the better. Before planning an appointment, do some research. For example, if you are in your twenties, try looking at problems such as endometriosis to see if your symptoms are compatible. If you are a black woman, read about situations that affect you inappropriately.


Going to appointments and education (even advanced online education) about common health conditions in your people will make it easier to understand your doctor's actions and respond to them appropriately. You may even be able to bring notes, such as a list of symptoms and how they are similar or different from the diseases your doctor may think you have based on a little knowledge.


Know Your Health Plan

Feeling attached to a doctor you don’t believe is stressful. Create an online profile on your insurance provider’s website if you haven’t already, and look at your input as it relates to job selection. If you have an HMO, research the steps needed to change primary care providers. If you have PPO, you have the option of going directly to a specialist and skipping a general practitioner who may not be aware of your current problems. Take that option if it sounds easy, as long as you make sure you have the right expert in mind for your symptoms.


Edit Your Symbols

One thing I have learned about having Lyme Disease (known as the "big character" because of how many other diseases are similar) long lists of symptoms can be difficult to navigate. Reduce your marks into the top 10, then go to the top five, and decide what your first complaint is.


Once you have identified the reason for going to the doctor's office more than any other, be sure to do some research. Find out what diseases cause this symptom, and check your other symptoms against those infections. While it is true that many doctors do not like patients who take up research positions, being equipped with information may make the difference between diagnosing or not.


Do the Right Testing First

For all human data, periodic testing is recommended. If you are not yet in the process, remove them first if possible. It looks ridiculous, but if you have not had a recent pap smear you may not be able to get the blood tests you want. Make sure you include the basics.


Ask It All Into Your Chart

Whatever the doctor does goes into your medical chart — but not so with everything they do. If you have researched your symptoms and have an idea of ​​what diagnostic tests are needed, it is clear from your request for that test. If your doctor denies it, ask him or her to write on your chart that you did that. Sometimes, this encourages the doctor to order a test. This is because if you go to a second doctor who orders a test, and you get a proper diagnosis, the first doctor may appear to have not given the proper care.


Take Notes

At the time of your appointment, it may be embarrassing or intimidating to take notes. It is wise to do so anyway. Patients often wait hours to see a doctor for just a few minutes, and it may be an attempt to voice their concerns through a small window of time. This is especially true if they do not believe you are sick. Keep a record of the appointment by phone or in your notebook. You can also request permission to record an appointment with an audio device.


Know Your Health Care Rights

It is far from perfect, but the US health care system offers patients many of the rights to care. You can read more about them in-depth at the Health Consumer Alliance. If you are strong and very knowledgeable you are getting into an appointment, there is a good chance you will speak for yourself. And while you don't have to talk to get it proper health care, too often the situation is that you do. So, it’s better to be well-versed in your health care rights.


Request An Addendum To Your Records

You don’t have the right to have information in your medical records changed, but you do have the right to have more added. If you disagreed with a doctor’s feedback, felt ignored when you told your practitioner about your symptoms, or were refused testing, you can ask the office to attach an addendum to your chart about it. The office may have you fill out a form for this. Even if the doctor denies the addendum request, that should still be included in your record. 


File A Grievance

If you leave an appointment without resolution, you still have the right to demand the care you need. Filing a grievance with your insurance provider can help you reach a more favorable resolution with the practitioner or put you on the path to better care from another medical professional. In some states, providers must reply to grievances filed within thirty days. You can submit a claim online, over the phone, or in physical writing. Of these choices, over the phone is the least desirable because it’s best to have everything in writing in these situations. 


The Bottom Line

The burden of getting proper medical care should never fall on the patient, but with our current system, it too often does. You shouldn’t need these tools, but having them can make the difference between health and sickness. Speak up, know your rights, and do not settle for less than the top-notch healthcare you deserve. Your life may depend on using your voice.