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We recommend that you don't try to rely on your memory--write down all the information and keep it in a safe place. And allow a friend of family member to help you listen when you are consulting with your medical providers.

If you are hospitalized, it is also important to clarify which doctor is in charge of your care—many patients have had the experience of each doctor deferring to another doctor and you don't know which doctor is the one to ask about the next step in your treatment. Ask the doctor who admitted you if he is in charge of your care or if another physician is the "lead doctor" on your case.

You can become better informed about your illness and treatment options by asking your medical staff for information, and by using other reliable sources.  To check on the most up-to-date treatment recommendations based on the latest scientific evidence, go to http://www.guideline.gov.   This free information is made available by the National Guidelines Clearinghouse.

Also, you will want to ask your doctor to explain your diagnosis, in simple terms.  While there certainly is a very detailed medical description with lots of jargon you can't understand unless you work in the medical field, there will also be a rather simple explanation in layman's terms that describes your particular condition.  Be sure you ask questions until you understand the explanations.

Find out the prognosis for recovery, maintenance, or remission.  It helps to know if it is typical to feel much better in two weeks, or if it is more likely to take two months.  It may be that therapy or rehabilitation will be part of the recovery process.

If the disease is not curable, it may be one that can be managed or maintained, such as diabetes.   Also, it is now fairly common to hear that a particular cancer is not in "remission" but that the person is managing the disease by using some form of long-term chemotherapy.

You will want to know if the condition is hereditary, so you can inform children or other relatives if there is a need for them to be tested, or to make lifestyle changes.

A lot of times there are several treatment options that can be considered.  Seek out information about the risks and benefits of each of them.  Be sure to ask your doctor to explain all treatment options, and why a particular option is being recommended for your case.  Remember, you can always get a second medical opinion so that you can feel more comfortable that you are making an informed choice.

In some cases, your best hope for recovery is through a clinical trial.  Ask your doctor if he or she can research to see if there are any clinical trials for which you would qualify, even if they are not located in your area.  You could choose to re-locate temporarily for the purpose of a promising clinical trial.

In summary, if you understand your medical diagnosis and the various treatment options, including risks and benefits, you can make an informed decision about your care.  Sometimes, just understanding the details about your diagnosis and what will happen now and in the future can be very helpful.

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SmallTown Duo, owned by Sibyl Day and Mary Benson, specializes in medical and legal books for consumers.  They publish a popular book called "What Did the Doctor Say? A Guide for Leaving the Hospital." The book covers topics such as questions to ask about your diagnosis, medications, doctor visits, and avoiding common medical errors.  If you or someone you  know will soon be in the hospital, this book helps with every step of the way.  For more information, visit their website at http://www.SmallTownDuo.com .