Being Diagnosed Overview

This section addresses questions you may have around the time when a serious illness is diagnosed. You will find descriptions of common situations, needs, and concerns around being diagnosed. For additional information and support, consult illness-specific organizations in Westchester and national organizations offering support.

Although your situation may be somewhat different from what is described in this section, you can use this information as a guide to your discussions with your medical team and your family. No two situations are the same, but generally, a diagnosis of a serious illness is made after several medical examinations and a number of procedures and tests.

You may receive the diagnosis in the Doctor’s Office or in the Hospital. Both settings are covered in this section.

No matter where you receive a diagnosis, you have choices about your care, access to information, and rights as a patient to assist you through your experiences.