Always consult a trusted provider for personal medical decisions. Most people walk into a doctor’s office or hospital totally unprepared, and that’s exactly when they are most vulnerable to unnecessary testing, procedures, surgeries, and medications.

If you don’t know how to advocate for yourself, it’s easy to be rushed through an appointment, dismissed without answers, or even denied the care you truly need. That’s why I put together five insider advocacy tips I’ve learned from working inside the system. These are not the usual “bring a list of questions” suggestions you’ve heard before — these are strategies that actually protect you and change the way you handle doctor visits.

Watch the video to learn all five tips, and save this post so you don’t forget them the next time you’re in an exam room. You can also share it with a friend or family member who could benefit. Have you ever had to advocate for yourself in a medical setting? Sharing your story can help others feel less alone and be better prepared for their own experiences.