WHAT IS NEXT STEP?

For a person who has been generally healthy and then suddenly has a serious, perhaps life-threatening medical condition, the situation is characterized by surprise, disappointment, frustration and even anger and despair.

Indeed, finding yourself without warning to have a catastrophic disorder, such as a broken neck, cancer or multiple sclerosis, is devastating. When patients find themselves at such critical cross roads – in the midst of vulnerability and overwhelming complexity – the recurring and most important question is “What’s the next step?”

Trying to determine what to do next preoccupies you, adding to your vulnerability and detracting from responsibilities to your job and to your family. It’s made all that more frustrating when you can’t be sure if your doctor and healthplan have business or health care as their highest priorities in your taking the next step.