Introduction Visiting a doctor can sometimes feel like entering a mystery: “What’s causing my symptoms?” Doctors use a structured diagnostic process to answer this question, combining medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, tests, and patient input. Understanding this process helps patients actively participate in their care, communicate effectively, and reduce anxiety about medical evaluations. This article explores the steps doctors take to diagnose illnesses, the reasoning behind each step, and how patients can support the process. Step 1: Taking a Detailed Medical History Tip for patients: Be honest and thorough—every detail can help doctors pinpoint the cause. Step 2: Conducting a Physical…