Your primary care provider, whether a doctor or nurse practitioner, is your lead connection to most healthcare services. It’s important you have a good relationship with her or him and know how to advocate for yourself. This will also help you take care of your health!
Here are a few tips:
Build a relationship with your provider. Let her or him know you want to be a partner in your care.
Before each appointment, write down the questions you want to ask, and prepare a list of all the medications you take.
Listen carefully to what’s said during appointments. Ask questions. Take notes. Consider bringing another person with you; she or he may catch something you miss.
Be honest about how you’re feeling. Share your concerns. Don’t hold back.
If tests are ordered, ask what’s involved and what they’re for.
Before you leave, make sure you know what you’re supposed to do next.
If you must change or miss an appointment, let the office know as soon as possible.
If you would like to change your primary care provider, ask to be taken off her or his patient list. Then visit the Health Care Connect website, or call 1-800-445-1822 to find a new provider.
In the case that you believe your provider acted unprofessionally, you can lodge a complaint with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario by calling 1-800-268-7096 ext 603.
