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

Why Is Working with Your Provider Important?

Of course, people with disabilities do have specific health issues in addition to their general health care needs. Going to a doctor or other health care provider can be a more positive experience when the provider is aware of your unique issues. This information helps providers to meet their patients’ health care needs.

Yet a number of barriers can result in unmet health care needs and poorer overall health. It is important to know that most health care providers do not have much exposure to adult disability in their medical training. So even though they mean well, health care providers may not know how complicated and difficult it is to give good medical services to people with disabilities.

For example, examining a person who lacks sensation in his lower limbs or prescribing medications that adequately address chronic pain can be a challenge for some providers. As a person with a disability, you should discuss any specific medical issues that are unique to your disability with your health care providers.

The key to working with your health care provider is to realize that you are your best advocate. It is vital that you, as a consumer, educate your health care providers on your physical disability and strategies that help you access quality health care. As you help break down barriers and assumptions about people with physical disabilities, you are also helping make access to health care more equal for all.