Educate yourself about your condition.

“The more informed and empowered you are, the more you can help make decisions,” says Olajide Williams, MD, chair of neurology at Columbia University's Irving Medical Center in New York City. “If you're less knowledgeable, you have to just accept what the physician says. Learning all you can about your condition enables you not only to advocate and care for yourself but to participate more fully in the medical encounter. That will increase the quality of care you receive and make each visit more productive and efficient.”

Bring someone with you.

“Whenever possible, have a friend or family member come with you when you see the doctor or are hospitalized,” says Charlene Gamaldo, MD, FAAN, professor of neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. “They can remind you of things you meant to ask, or take notes while you're talking to the doctor, or advocate for you if your concerns are being dismissed. It's less likely that something will fall through the cracks, even if that is unintentional.”

Do research.

Check the doctors and hospitals in your community. “Talk to the people in your neighborhood and get advice about the doctor or hospital you're going to,” says Mitchell Elkind, MD, FAAN, professor of neurology at Columbia University's Irving Medical Center. “Look up the practice or hospital online to see if it has a stated commitment to providing equitable health care.”

Champion others.

“Speak out for those who are less fortunate and don't have the privilege of a neurologist or who can't afford medical care or medications,” says Dr. Williams. “Write or call your legislators; write to the newspaper; speak out in your patient advocacy groups about equitable access to care. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it's that what happens to one of us affects us all. We can't leave anyone behind.”

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How Neurologists are Working to Address Health Care Disparities