Communicating with patients is tricky. Mixed up, even false messages can be sent to a patient because they are easily overwhelmed with TMI. During my years working with surgeons and in the Emergency Dept. I've found that info written clearly and concisely is imperative. A one-on-one talk reviewing the written info helps and a phone number with my name is included. There are always questions afterwards. During the last month I've become one of the older patients. I'm in a panic awaiting a pathology report. There has been confusion, anxiety, and poor communication (some of it from the surgeon's office and partly my own fault.)