Do you feel you can be assertive when it comes to talking to your health care providers and insurance providers? I feel that we just have to be assertive (not aggressive!) when it comes to getting our needs met.
I never want to speak out of anger, for I always regret it, but MS has at least made me a little less passive and quiet when it comes to healthcare.
Umm, well, I can be! Especially when I'm backing out of the office, because he's saying something I don't want to hear! But, I'm me! So he expects as much!🤣🤣🤗💕🌠
Me too, greaterexp I NEVER speak out of anger, instead, I gather as much information as possible and I ask them, when all else fails, what can I do to fix the problem. My last infusion almost didn't happen because the Specialty Pharmacy couldn't deliver the meds in time because the doctor's office couldn't be reached. When I talked to my doctor's office, they were told that they couldn't talk to them until they talked with me. Huh? I called them back and ask them specifically what they needed from me. They need prior authorization from the insurance company, and they didn't have it ~ I couldn't do it, only the doctor's office could, and they couldn't, until they talked with me! Well, I had the approval from the insurance company, so did the doctor's office, and I gave them the number. Well, now they couldn't guarantee that the meds would be there for infusion because they needed 48 hours to accomplish that! I told them that they had all the time in the world because it was scheduled 6 months ago, and now that we were 24 hours away from the infusion ~ never mind that I was trying to get this fixed for well over a week ~ I told them that my infusion was going to happen as scheduled, or else. It happened, but I am going to let my State insurance commissioner aware of this. I am sure that I am not the only one that this has happened to... I never give up, be assertive, and make sure that you do everything in your power to make things happen 
I have become more assertive, over the years, for myself and my family. Sometimes it is the only way to get what one needs.
I think that being assertive is the only way,speak up and follow up is the key👍😊 Ken 🐾🐾
Do you know what paves the road- way & to hell???
GOOD INTENSIONS !!!
🙏❤LISA💕
yesI Have found that I need to be more assertive than I ever was before my diagnosis, but interestingly my care providers seem to appreciate my active approach to treating my own illness. Thank you for sharing this, hadn't really thought about the issue till you pointed it out.Robert
Hi Robert😊
How are you doing??🤔
🙏❤Lisa💕
I am getting a little stronger, but still having a hard time adjusting to the" new normal" I personally don't think there is anything normal about it though. Hope you're well.Robert
Hi😊
I'm right now coming 🏡 from MI. Since, here in OH , there's high prices on " flower." I need this for medical reasons .
Yes, it's a whole new strange 🌎 out there....
I'm well. Thank YOU for asking. Stay in touch w/me!!!
Your friend
🙏❤Lisa💕
Yes of course appreciate your comments and always good to know others are struggling with this new reality but surviving. Thanks as always Robert
I , unfortunately, 1x acted out of anger & still regret it.
This action I still regret til this day because it's FOREVER in my chart!!! Does anyone think that's why I'm not getting anything ordered for PAIN ??!!? 🤣🤣😂😂
🙏Lisa❤💕
Your comment reminds me of when we tell kids "this will be on your permanent record!"
I definitely have to speak up for myself, and keep scrolling here and there to find out what my options even could be. I’m glad I saw a random post on Facebook about steroids after delivering a baby.
I did know that insurance was terrible and I’m shocked when they approve anything. I let my husband call them and he does get angry.
I will add that MS has made me less passive in all aspects of life.
I certainly can and do
I have a care coordinator for my insurance and she is there to help when I need help with my needs but she has told me several times I'm her only client she doesn't have to worry about because I have handled my business.
I just call and tell her what I've done so she can note it in my file.
My insurance and my dr both know me very well because I have called and I will follow up
I have filed a butt load of complaints and appeals with the insurance that I think at this point they just give me what I'm asking for
I learned a long time ago when the doctors almost killed my mom. My husband fired all but one of the doctors and then moved her to another hospital. You know your body better than anyone else does. If you don't stand up to the doctors and the insurance companies they can run you over. I always question why they want to give me a medication & sometimes refuse it. There have been procedures that I refuse also. I feel it's a waste of time & money. But the doctors have to cover their behinds by suggesting them so they don't get sued.
I find it hard to be assertive but do get business done
I have been told not to make any decisions when your angry
Well , you are correct, MSSURVIVOR1 , my dad always used to say that too !!!
🙏❤Lisa💕
In my 45 years of dealing with MS, I don't think that I have ever spoken in anger (hope not!). But many years ago, my neurologist told me, "Nobody knows your MS better than you". That encouragement helped me to be more proactive and assertive in dealing with others.
First time I went to a MS related doctor I was probably afraid and intimidated. Now my doctors, I think, are more afraid and intimidated of me then I am of them. And not because I'm mean or they don't like me, but because they know I will challenge them and they will have to work for their probably ridiculously large salary. There is so much more to MS then DMT's. If an MS doctor seems to only know DMT's run for the hills in my experience.
In today's world, I think you have to be assertive to get the understanding of what you need and feel. Not aggressive, not mean, not disrespectful; but honestly and firmly speaking for yourself. We are not carbon copies, or trial and error projects. This is my body, my life, my battle; so people need to try to understand where I am coming from. Some get it, some don't; but my relationship with my medical teams is so much better, no beating around the bush. We get straight to the facts and enjoy the appointment times more openly.
Nobody was responding to my posts
But I did!!!😊😊
I was up early morning and was confused on my piat
I don't (yet) feel the need to be assertive with my doctor. However I have had to be Very assertive with my insurance company. Especially at the beginning of the year when everything resets and the people are so Stupid!!!
I dread that time of year.
Me, too. But I've gotten smarter. Whenever they ask if I have enough meds I always say something like, I'm not at home but I'm getting down there. When this past January came I was 2 bottles ahead and I needed every bit of them to keep me going until things got straitened out!
Christina Applegate on the subtle signs that led to MS diagnosis: ‘I wish I had paid attention’
Question of the Month, Dr. Appointments!
