Every time. Every appointment. Every doctor. Even the ones with whom I have a good relationship.
Why? Because once, when I was sick and needed them the most, my doctors did not believe me.
I am as polite and respectable as I can be.
I use correct terminology.
I am thorough when I report my history.
Why? Because once, when I was sick and needed them the most, my doctors did not believe me.
I shouldn't have to speak in my "customer service voice."
But I am a woman and I am Black and I am disabled and I have chronic pain.
And once, when I was sick and needed them the most, my doctors did not believe me.
1. A bunch of other disabled people chime in with similar terrible stories
2. A few doctors / healthcare providers chime in with "not all doctors"
All doctors.
We're all part of this system and we're all obligated to make it better.
#MedTwitter
That starts with listening to patients.