One question you can ask that is appropriate no matter where in the process of diagnosis, decision-making or treatment you are is

What happens next?

So, for example, if you are having symptoms, and you go to see your primary care doctor – he may send you for tests, or he may send you to a specialist. Some doctors will just walk out the door and ask their staff to make arrangements – leaving you wondering what is going on. Others will explain it all to you –

But the point is – if no one explains it to us, then it is up to us patients to ASK. Don’t just wait for someone to tell you – ASK.

If you see your doctor walking toward the door – ASK – doctor, what happens next?

Once you have the answer – then you can get clarification and details from the others in the office. There are many others to help you with that additional information like nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or medical assistants. You don’t have to use that short appointment time with your doctor to get time and place details, you just need to know what to expect so you know what to do next yourself.

What you are doing is asking the doctor and others to manage your expectations – because leaving you with those kinds of question marks only adds to frustration levels and further breakdowns in communications.

That question can be used in all kinds of circumstances, with any of the personnel in the office, other facilities -- even in the hospital…. Regardless of where you are in the process, or who is there to answer, ask What happens next?

And if the person you are asking doesn’t know the answer? Then ask her to refer you to the person who does. You may not always get the answer you need, but at least it’s a step in the right direction. You’ll feel less frustrated because you’ll understand your process so much better.