🛡️ How to Protect Yourself at the Doctor’s Office

✅ Write down your symptoms, questions, and goals before the visit.

Even a scrap of paper counts. Take a photo of it with your phone before you go — with location and timestamp turned on. That photo is proof.

✅ Bring someone with you if you can.

A spouse, friend, or advocate can serve as a witness. Even if they just sit and listen — that can change the tone of the visit.

✅ Request your visit summary and compare it to what was said.

If there’s a mismatch — you’ve got a red flag.

✅ Ask these key questions:

“Can you show me the differential you’re using to rule this out?”
“Are you documenting what I said or your interpretation of it?”
“Are these medications known to cause liver damage or hormone issues?”
“Why were certain labs or scans not ordered?”
“Can I get a copy of today’s provider notes?”
“Could this be autoimmune, cardiac, or endocrine-related?”
“What have you ruled out already?”
“What have you done to rule out medical causes first?” -------If/When referred to psychiatry

✅ Document everything

Bring a notebook.
Take notes during the visit.
Write down who you saw and what was said — even if it’s right after you leave.

📥 Coming Soon:

Downloadable PDFs: checklists, symptom logs, visit prep
Tips for decoding your chart

📸 Can I Legally Record My Doctor Visit?

Below is a link to what appears to be the most up-to-date guide on U.S. recording consent laws:
Single-Party Consent States – World Population Review

✅ Do your homework. Know your state.

If you live in a single-party consent state, you’re legally allowed to record your own medical visit without notifying your provider.
If you’re in a two-party consent state, you’ll need permission to record — otherwise, it could be illegal.

🎤 Why record at all?

Because details disappear. Because notes get rewritten. Because your health shouldn’t rely on someone else’s memory.

🔒 Bottom Line:

Protect yourself — to the degree you feel is necessary, legal, and safe.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for doing so.