Transcript

Next Steps After Your Diagnosis

NARRATOR:
Most of us have heard stories from friends and relatives about how confused they were after their doctor gave them a medical diagnosis.  They didn't know what to do next to get more information.  Now, the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality - or "ark" - has developed a new booklet to help people called Next Steps After Your Diagnosis. The guide includes 10 important questions to ask your doctor about your condition, how it might be treated, and what you need to know before making treatment decisions.  The booklet also includes resources such as Web site addresses and phone numbers.  Doctor Carolyn Clancy is the director of AHRQ.

DR. CLANCY:
Receiving a diagnosis can often be confusing and overwhelming, especially when you face a potentially serious medical condition.  The purpose of this booklet is to help consumers become better informed and be active partners in their own health care.

NARRATOR:
For a free copy of Next Steps After Your Diagnosis, go to a-h-r-q-dot-g-o-v-slash-consumer.   This information was produced by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.