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Help Speaking Up

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Most Important Things to Know:

  • It can be hard to speak up at doctor visits. But your care team needs to know what you need.​

  • Having ready-to-use phrases helps when you feel rushed or confused. You can use our suggested words or change them to fit your needs.​

  • If you need help speaking up:

    • Ask for a patient advocate at your hospital

    • Look for patient navigator programs in your area

    • Bring a family member or friend to your visit

What You'll Learn on This Page:

Learn about patient advocates and where to find one

Explore possible responses for difficult situations 

See where to read more from trusted sources

If You Need Help Speaking Up

You may want to get a patient advocate. This is a professional who can:

  • Talk to your medical team

  • Make appointments

  • Help you get support

  • Work with your insurance company

Where to Find a Patient Advocate

Your hospital 

  • Online - Search for your hospital's name and "patient advocate"

  • Call - Call the hospital and ask to talk to a patient advocate 

  • Go to the front desk - Ask staff how to talk to a patient advocate

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Nonprofits

  • If you have been diagnosed with a health problem (such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, etc.)​​

    • Online - Search for your health problem's name "patient advocate"​

    • Call or Ask Staff - Ask your doctor's office about nonprofits that can help

  • Visit Patient Advocate Foundation - a nonprofit with advocates and other patient support resources

Tips for Speaking Up During Your Visit

Icon of two people with speech bubbles. One has an x in the speech bubble. The other had a checkmark
Icon of a rushing person with a clock above their head
Icon of two boxes, one with a check mark. A hand is picking the check mark one
Icon of a person with a bag on it's back. The bag has the word cost
Calendar and a clock
Icon of an uncomfortable face

Where to Read More

Written by: 

Last Updated: January 16, 2025

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HealthEd For Everyone is a nonprofit organization [pending IRS 501(c)3 approval]

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© 2024 by HealthEd for Everyone. All rights reserved.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

About Us

Making health information clear and accessible for everyone

HealthEd for Everyone™ is a nonprofit organization (pending IRS 501(c)3 approval)

Get Involved

Get Updates

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© 2024 by HealthEd for Everyone. All rights reserved.

​

Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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