7 Ways to Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard At The Doctor's Office

In 2025, Black Girl Vitamins found that 1 in 2 women said a healthcare condition had been dismissed by a healthcare professional.

For Black women, being an active participant in your healthcare can be especially important. Research on Black women's experiences with healthcare has documented experiences of feeling dismissed, having symptoms downplayed, and struggling to have concerns taken seriously.

Advocating for yourself doesn't mean walking into every appointment ready to challenge your doctor. It means knowing that you are allowed to ask questions, ask for explanations, speak up when something doesn't feel right, and participate in decisions about your care.

Here are seven ways to make your next doctor's visit work better for you.

1. Come With Questions, Not Just Symptoms

It's easy to walk into an appointment thinking, I'll remember everything I want to ask.

Then your doctor asks, "Anything else?" and suddenly your mind goes blank.

Instead, write your questions down before you arrive.

Start with the biggest concern you want addressed and build from there. You might ask:

• What could be causing these symptoms?
• What are the possible explanations?
• What tests might help us understand what's going on?
• What are my treatment options?
• What are the benefits and risks of each option?
• What happens if we don't treat this right now?
• What symptoms should make me call you or seek immediate care?
• When should we follow up?

And don't be afraid to ask the same question twice.

If your doctor uses medical language you don't understand, try:

"Can you explain that to me in plain language?"

Understanding your care is not asking too much.

2. Tell the Whole Story

Your appointment may be short, so make every symptoms count. Don't minimize something because it seems embarrassing, inconvenient, or "not that serious."

• If you're having pain that is disrupting your sleep, say that.
• If your period has changed dramatically, say that.
• If you're exhausted every day despite getting enough sleep, say that.
• If something is affecting your work, relationships, sex life, mood, or ability to do everyday activities, say that too.

Your doctor can only make decisions based on the information they have.

3. If a Test or Referral Is Declined, Ask Why

Sometimes you may believe you need a particular test, screening, referral, or additional evaluation, and your provider may disagree.

The goal isn't to demand a specific test. It's to understand the reasoning behind the decision and make sure your concern has actually been considered.

If something you asked for isn't being pursued, write down what was discussed. Keep copies of test results, imaging reports, referrals, and other important records when possible.

Documentation can also help you recognize patterns over time, especially if you're seeing multiple healthcare professionals.

4. Bring Someone Along

You don't have to advocate alone.

If you're comfortable doing so, bring a trusted friend, partner, family member, or other support person to your appointment.

Their job doesn't have to be to speak for you.

They can:

• Take notes
• Help you remember what you wanted to ask
• Remind you of symptoms or concerns you may forget
• Ask a follow-up question
• Help you remember what the doctor recommends
• Provide emotional support

5. Don't Be Afraid To Say, "I'm Still Concerned."

Sometimes the appointment ends before your concern does.

You may hear:

"Let's just keep an eye on it."

"That's probably nothing to worry about."

"You're fine."

If you still feel like something needs to be addressed, you can respectfully push the conversation further.

Try:

"I understand, but I'm still concerned because this isn't normal for me."

Or:

"What else could explain these symptoms?"

Or:

"What should we do if this doesn't improve?"

Or simply:

"I don't feel like we've figured out what's causing this yet."

You don't have to be confrontational to be persistent.

Being respectful and being persistent can exist at the same time.

6. Trust Your Gut

Your instincts aren't a substitute for medical expertise, but they are worth communicating. If something doesn't feel right, tell your provider exactly what concerns you.

And if you're still uncomfortable after the conversation, a second opinion can be reasonable.

You might consider another opinion if:

• Your symptoms continue without a clear explanation
• You don't understand your diagnosis or treatment plan
• You feel your concerns weren't fully addressed
• You're being asked to make a major treatment decision and want another perspective
• You want to better understand your options

A second opinion isn't necessarily about finding a doctor who will tell you what you want to hear. It's about making sure you have enough information to make an informed decision about your health.

7. Don't Leave Without Knowing What Happens Next

Before you walk out of the office, make sure you know the plan.

Ask:

"What's the next step?"

If you had testing:

"When and how will I get my results?"

If you started treatment:

"How will we know if it's working?"

If you're waiting to see whether symptoms improve:

"How long should I wait before following up?"

And perhaps most importantly:

"What should I do if things get worse?"

Your appointment shouldn't end with you walking out thinking, Wait…what happens now?

Your Health. Your Questions. Your Voice.

Advocating for yourself doesn't mean you have to know the name of every test, understand every medical term, or walk into an appointment ready to argue.

It can be as simple as writing down your questions, describing what's happening in your body, asking for an explanation, taking notes, bringing someone you trust, documenting important conversations, and getting another opinion when you need one.

And if you've ever left a doctor's office thinking, I don't think they really heard me, know that you're allowed to speak up.

You deserve to be an active participant in your healthcare.

The Visit