Good communication between clinicians and patients is vital in reaching a correct diagnosis. On occasion, a patient's symptoms are not clear in the earliest stages of an illness, which is why good communication between clinicians and patients is necessary in order to prevent a misdiagnosis. Thagard's clinicians will not hesitate to refer a patient to a specialist when needed or when they are uncertain of a diagnosis in order to ensure that students receive the appropriate care as quickly as possible. Also, be aware that clinicians may ask questions that can be very personal, such as whether or not pregnancy is possible. But for the safety of our patients, we must know this information before prescribing medication, advising treatment, or ordering tests.