How to Advocate for Yourself to Improve Your Psoriasis Treatment

Doctors may not be experts on certain conditions. When it comes to complicated skin conditions, effectively communicating with your healthcare team can improve your care. Here are some tips that can help.

When living with psoriasis (PsO), managing the condition is a great way to minimize its effect on your life. Condition management usually involves getting appropriate medical care. However, some healthcare professionals (unless they’re dermatologists) may not be experts in identifying and treating skin conditions.

So, this is why advocating for yourself at your medical appointments is critical to receiving the specialized PsO care you need. Many medical professionals may have your best interest in mind. However, the current state of our healthcare system might only sometimes allow for the time it takes to diagnose and appropriately treat complex skin conditions.

Arrive to your appointment as prepared as possible to advocate for yourself and use your time with your medical team most efficiently. Advocating for yourself at medical appointments can mean effectively communicating your concerns, needs, and preferences to ensure you receive the right care.

Here are some strategies for advocating for yourself when getting treatment for PsO.

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1. Educate yourself

Take the time to learn about PsO, including its symptoms, triggers, treatments, and potential medical complications. Understanding your PsO can empower you to have informed discussions with your medical team.

Pro tip: If you do your research before the appointments, you might have more time to discuss complex topics regarding your PsO. This experience can make your appointments smoother and more efficient.

2. Keep a symptom log or diary

Track your PsO symptoms, including flare-ups, triggers, and treatments you’ve tried and your response to them, i.e., Why they have or haven’t worked and the side effects you may have had.

This information can help your medical team better understand your specific case of PsO and tailor your treatments accordingly.

3. Stay organized

Keep your records and symptom diary organized so that you know where to find your recorded information and can easily refer to it. Including dates is a good idea, too. The more detail, the better!

Pro tip: Some important things to put your finger on right away include allergies, medications that haven’t worked, and things known to worsen your PsO.

4. Be open and honest

Be honest with your doctor about the effect PsO has on your quality of life and lifestyle. Be sure to include physical symptoms, emotional well-being, and any other challenges you face in managing the condition.

5. Set clear goals

Identify your treatment goals and preferences, whether it’s symptom relief, improved skin appearance, or minimizing treatment side effects. Communicate these goals to your medical team clearly so you can work together to develop a treatment plan that aligns with your needs and lifestyle.

Pro tip: If you have a particular date for which you’d like to achieve your goals on time, such as a trip or a wedding, be sure to share this with your medical team.

6. Ask questions

Ask questions and get clarification about your condition, available treatment options, potential side effects, and long-term management strategies. Shared decision making should engage both of you in asking and answering questions to find the right plan.

Pro tip: Attend your appointment with a list of these questions and take notes as your doctor answers them to remember the responses later.

7. Express your concerns

If you have concerns about your current treatment plan or side effects that affect your quality of life, tell your medical team. They may have alternative treatment options or can adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Pro tip: This is especially true for cost concerns. If your treatment is out of your budget, be sure to share this with your medical care team. They may be able to help you with an assistance program, a manufacturer’s coupon, or even change your treatment altogether.

8. Ask for referrals to specialists

If your PsO requires specialized care or additional support from other healthcare professionals, such as a dermatologist or mental health counselor, advocate for yourself by requesting a referral from your primary care team.

Also, only certain specialists can prescribe many specialized medications designed to treat PsO.

Pro tip: If no specialist is available in your immediate geographic area, research telehealth options within your healthcare network. Telehealth is great for skin conditions!

9. Follow up

Stay proactive about your healthcare by scheduling regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare team to monitor your PsO and evaluate your current treatments.

Follow-ups are good opportunities to bring up new concerns since your last visit.

The bottom line

By advocating for yourself and your PsO treatments, you can collaborate with your care team to ensure that you receive the specialized and personalized care that meets your needs to help you manage your PsO effectively and live a full, active life.