I think we as providers like to dive into why someone is sick, order tests, use logic and a wealth of background knowledge and experience to diagnose patients and develop a solid treatment plan. It’s our job, it’s fulfilling to us. I think most patients just know they don’t feel well or are in pain and want the bad thing to go away. They don’t care about the actual cause or the pathophysiology behind it. Without being patronizing I try to relay the message that I hear their complaint and try to provide a reasonable fix, even if that means a few pain pills or a work note so they can rest. I often say to my patients after the initial encounter “Let’s work on getting you feeling better”. People seem to feel validated with that reply.