Your doctor just gave you a diagnosis that could change your life. What do you do now? How do you cope? To help you with these questions and more, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has developed an online resource, "Next Steps After Your Diagnosis," which offers general advice for patients diagnosed with almost any disease or condition The resource includes information on organizations, publications and resources that will help you make informed decisions, manage your care and get on with your life.

After your diagnosis, the AHRQ recommends starting with the following steps:

Step 1: Take the time you need. Do not rush important decisions about your health. In most cases, you will have time to carefully examine your options and decide what is best for you.

Step 2: Get the support you need. Look for support from family and friends, people who are going through the same thing you are, and those who have "been there." They can help you cope with your situation and make informed decisions.

Step 3: Talk with your doctor. Good communication with your doctor can help you feel more satisfied about the care you receive. Research shows it can even have a positive effect on things such as symptoms and pain. Getting a "second opinion" may help you feel more confident about your care.

Step 4: Seek out information. When learning about your health problem and its treatment, look for information that is based on a careful review of the latest scientific findings published in peer-reviewed medical journals.

Step 5: Decide on a treatment plan. Work with your doctor to decide on a treatment plan that best meets your needs.

A complete version of "Next Steps After Your Diagnosis" is available online.

Using the Web as a resource for more information about a diagnosis can be helpful. However, it's not always easy to figure out if the information you're reading is correct or even safe. Read "Health Information on the Web" to learn how to find reliable health information on the Internet.