[LEXICON CASE STUDY] When Clinical Language Misses the Patient Experience

Understand the Language. Shape the Conversation.

Physicians and patients may be discussing the same symptoms but describing them in very different ways.

In an analysis of real diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) conversations, Verilogue found that physicians often organized symptoms into clinical categories, while patients described those symptoms through lived experience, sensation, and disruption. 

The analysis mapped how DPN conversations moved from symptom discovery to diagnosis and treatment, revealing how differences in language and conversational ownership shape the path to clinical understanding. 

What Authentic Exam Room Conversations Revealed 

• How physicians and patients described the same symptoms differently 

• Who initiated discussions about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment 

• How conversations progressed from symptom disclosure to treatment recommendation 

• Where differences between clinical terminology and lived experience created communication gaps 

Who Should Read This Case Study 

• Brand and marketing teams developing communications for physicians and patients 

• Insights and market research teams looking for evidence grounded in real-world healthcare dialogue 

• Agency teams translating patient experience into communication strategy 

• Disease education teams working to connect clinical concepts with language patients recognize 

Complete the form to see how real-world dialogue revealed communication gaps that influenced symptom discovery, diagnosis, and treatment.