Script - Doctor's Diagnosis

Physician

• Your test results have come in.
• I'm afraid the result isn't good.
• You have a long road to recovery.
• We have several options to discuss.
• The blood test came back negative.
• The transfusion was a success.
• It looks like you're ready to go home.
• I'd like to keep you here over night.
• We'll know more in a few days.
• You're not in the clear yet.
• We've ruled out diabetes.
• I'm hoping to get to the bottom of this soon.

Patient

• I don't understand what this means.
• Am I going to need surgery?
• Is it good news or bad news?
• When will the tests results come in?
• How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
• What is the success rate?
• Are they going to run more tests?
• Is this a common problem for people my age?
• I'd like to discuss other options.
• I'm going to get a second opinion.

Sample Conversation

Doctor:	Hi Jessica. How are you feeling today?
Patient:	A bit better.
Doctor:	That's good to hear. Are you still feeling nauseous?
Patient:	No, I haven't felt sick to my stomach since you switched my medication.
Doctor:	Great. Your test results came in this morning.
Patient:	Is it good news or bad?
Doctor:	I guess it's a bit of both. Which do you want first?
Patient:	Let's get the bad news over with.
Doctor:	Okay. It looks like you're going to need surgery to remove the tumour from your leg. After the operation you're going to have to stay off your feet for at least three weeks. That means no soccer.
Patient:	I was afraid you were going to say that.
Doctor:	Now for the good news. The biopsy shows that the tumour is not cancerous. We're going to take it out anyway just to be on the safe side.
Patient:	Wow, that's a load off my mind. Thanks Doctor.
Doctor:	Don't get too excited. We still need to get to the bottom of all of this weight loss.
Patient:	I've probably just been so worried about this stupid lump.
Doctor:	These things often are stress related, but we're still going to do a few blood tests just to rule a few things out.
Patient:	Things like what? Cancer?
Doctor:	Actually, I'm thinking more along the lines of a food allergy.