How to become the advocate of your own rights as a patient with psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that often requires complex and long-term treatments. In this context, knowing your rights as a patient is essential to obtaining proper care and effectively navigating the healthcare system. Your rights include access to reimbursable treatments, protection against discrimination, and the possibility of benefiting from quality medical assistance. By being informed, you can avoid situations where you are deprived of essential services or medications necessary for your treatment.

This article aims to provide practical advice and useful guides to become a strong advocate for your health and rights. We will explore the steps you can take to get properly informed, to collaborate effectively with doctors, and to benefit from the support of the patient community. We will also discuss the importance of understanding relevant legislation and how you can actively engage in defending your rights. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and confidence necessary to successfully navigate the care of your psoriasis.

Understand your diagnosis and treatment

1. Document yourself

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, causing red, scaly, and itchy plaques. Understanding the types of psoriasis (vulgar, guttate, pustular, inverse, and erythrodermic) and the specific symptoms of each is essential to know which treatments are suitable for you. Educate yourself about the causes of the disease, including genetic factors and environmental triggers.

2. Available treatments

There are multiple treatment options for psoriasis, ranging from topical medications (creams and ointments) to light therapy (phototherapy) and systemic medications (oral or injectable). Modern biological treatments, such as adalimumab and apremilast, can be very effective for severe forms of psoriasis. It is important to know the benefits and possible side effects of each treatment to make informed choices.

3. Collaborate with your doctor

Tips for effective communication with healthcare professionals

• Be open and honest: Share all your symptoms, even if they seem insignificant. Note any changes you observe in your condition.
• Prepare for consultations: Write down your questions and concerns before the meeting. This will help you not to forget anything important and to use the time spent with the doctor efficiently.
• Understand your treatment plan: Ask for clear explanations about treatment options, dosages, duration, and expectations regarding effects. Make sure you know how to use the prescribed medications correctly.
• Request written information: Ask for brochures or other educational materials about psoriasis and available treatments. These can be a useful resource to review the information discussed.
• Request a second opinion: If you are unsure about the diagnosis or treatment, do not hesitate to seek the opinion of another specialist.
• Establish a trusting relationship: Open and honest communication with your doctor is the key to effective treatment and to feeling supported in the fight against psoriasis.

By proper documentation and close collaboration with your doctor, you will be able to better manage your condition and ensure that you receive the necessary care.

Know your legal rights

Relevant legislation

In Romania, patients with psoriasis are protected by various laws and regulations that ensure their access to necessary treatments. It is crucial to be informed about these laws in order to protect your rights and benefit from appropriate treatments.

Explanation of the laws and regulations that protect patients with psoriasis in Romania

Patients with psoriasis benefit from specific protections stipulated by national legislation. One of the most recent legislative changes is DECISION no. 397 of April 23, 2024, published in the OFFICIAL GAZETTE no. 382 of April 24, 2024, which updates HG 720/2008.

Thus, for the first time in Romania, the list of reimbursed medicines is expanded, including medicines used for the treatment of psoriasis.

Access to treatments

How to ensure you benefit from compensated medicines and other available treatments

According to DECISION no. 397 of April 23, 2024, starting from May 1, 2024, the following medications are 100% reimbursed for the treatment of psoriasis:

• Methotrexate (oral solution): Used for moderate and severe forms of psoriasis.
• Ciclosporinum: Used in severe psoriasis.
• Betamethasonum (injectable form for local administration): Used for local treatments in severe or resistant cases.
• Methylprednisolonum (oral form): Occasionally used in severe or acute cases.

To ensure that you benefit from these medications, it is important to work closely with your doctor and be well informed about these legislative changes. For more details, read the full article on Royalrich.ro.

Historic decision of the Alba Tribunal

On November 23, 2023, the Alba Tribunal set an important precedent by granting the request of a patient with psoriasis to be classified with a medium degree of disability. This decision highlights that, although psoriasis is not always recognized as a debilitating condition, it can be severe enough to justify the granting of a disability degree, thus offering hope and new opportunities to affected individuals.

For more details about disability grading for psoriasis, read the full article on Royalrich.ro.

How the perception of psoriasis patients has changed

In recent years, the perception of patients with psoriasis has significantly improved, recognizing more and more of their rights. These legislative changes and recent judicial decisions reflect a greater awareness of the impact of psoriasis on patients' lives and the need for adequate support from the healthcare system and Romanian society.

Develop skills to defend your rights

Education and resources

To become a strong advocate for your rights as a patient with psoriasis, it is essential to have access to up-to-date information and educational resources. Participating in online courses or seminars about patient rights, health legislation, and chronic disease management can be extremely beneficial. E-learning platforms, patient organizations, and health-dedicated websites are valuable sources of information.

Resource recommendations:

• Webinars and online courses: Look for educational platforms that offer courses on patient rights and chronic disease management.
• Patient organizations: Join national or international organizations that provide support and information for patients with psoriasis.
• Specialized websites: Visit websites that provide updated information about psoriasis and available treatments.

The importance of active involvement

Active participation in conferences and workshops dedicated to patients with psoriasis not only gives you the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others but also to connect with healthcare professionals and other patients. These events are excellent platforms to update your knowledge about the latest treatments, to learn about disease management, and to develop your skills in advocating for your rights.

Benefits of participation:

• Networking: Creating connections with other patients and healthcare professionals.
• Updating knowledge: Access to the latest information and research on psoriasis.
• Emotional support: Support and encouragement from the patient community.

Through continuous education and active involvement, you can become a strong advocate for your rights, ensuring that you receive the best possible care and that you protect your rights as a patient with psoriasis.

Royal Rich: Natural care range for psoriasis

The Royal Rich range, based on minerals and salts from the Dead Sea, offers a natural solution for the complementary care of psoriasis. It helps to alleviate redness, itching, and skin irritations, being an effective aid in the local relief of psoriasis. Royal Rich products are enriched with plant extracts, pure propolis, honey, and essential oils, giving the skin a healthy and radiant appearance. The natural ingredients, combined with a vitamin complex, contribute to the improvement of affected areas and restore the skin to a younger and healthier look.

In conclusion, as a patient with psoriasis, knowing and defending your rights is essential to benefit from the best care and treatments. By being informed and proactive, you can more easily navigate daily challenges and ensure access to the necessary resources to manage your condition.

Don't let psoriasis define you! Get informed, know your rights, and fight for your health.

Discover the Royal Rich range for psoriasis, with minerals and salts from the Dead Sea, a natural solution for alleviating redness, itching, and skin irritations. Enriched with plant extracts, propolis, honey, and essential oils, these products provide effective care and restore your skin's healthy and radiant appearance.

Try them now and feel the difference!