Health Access for Independent Living (HAIL) Fact Sheet: Working with Your Health Care Provider

What Does Working with Your Health Care Provider Mean?

People with disabilities have the same health care needs as those who are nondisabled. They have heart disease, asthma, diabetes and other health issues that may not be related to their disability. Consider Jack’s experience:

Jack is 52 years old and uses a wheelchair. The last few days he’s had a fever and frequent headaches. Yet when he sees his doctor, the physician focuses on his disability rather than his pressing symptoms.

Jack’s example shows us how important it is for people with disabilities to know how to work with their providers. Such scenes are common if the provider has limited exposure to patients with physical disabilities and doesn’t have the skills to build a working relationship with the patient.

“Working with your provider” means building a relationship of mutual trust and respect with your providers. In this give and take, you will advocate for yourself by asking questions and providing information, while your doctor will take your questions and concerns seriously. Your shared goal is your “wellness,” not just “fixing” your problems. In Jack’s case, he probably will remind his doctor that the fever and headaches are not part of his usual experience.