If systemic racism seems like it will not budge, no matter how much we try, then we have not tried enough of the right combination of tactics. Here are some ways patients and caregivers can use to gain more control of their health outcome.

Document everything in real time. Bring a notebook or use your phone to record dates, names, what was said, what was prescribed, and what was refused. The gap between verbal communication and written records only becomes visible when you have your own parallel record. Your notes are your evidence.

Request your medical records regularly and read them. Patients have a legal right to their full medical records under HIPAA. Request them after significant appointments, not only at the end of treatment. Read what your doctors wrote about you. If the clinical notes do not match what you were told in the room, ask for the reason in writing.

Bring someone with you. A second person in the examination room changes the dynamic measurably. They can take notes, ask follow-up questions, and serve as a witness if the treatment you receive needs to be documented later. For Black women especially, having an advocate present has been shown to affect how their concerns are received.

Name what you are experiencing, explicitly. Research shows that Black patients who name their concerns about bias directly receive measurably different responses than patients who do not. It should not be necessary. Tell the healthcare provider, “I want to make sure my pain is being taken as seriously as it would be for any other patient.”.

Seek out Black physicians and culturally competent care when possible. Studies consistently show that Black patients receive better pain management and more thorough diagnostic workups from Black physicians. The National Medical Association maintains a physician directory. So does the Association of Black Women Physicians.

Know your right to a second opinion. A second opinion is standard medical practice. If your instinct tells you your symptoms are not being taken seriously, act on that instinct. Arlinda’s story is a cautionary tale in trusting that instinct.