Where do commas go in this sentence?

[erempa]

If there remains a strong clinical concern for mass in the chest, then follow up will be obtained or alternatively a CT scan of the chest will be performed.

Does another comma go before or, after or, or after alternatively?

I'm confused on this particular sentence.

Thanks,


Erin

[David L.]

Having worked in hospitals for nearly 40 years, I can tell you there is a style of writing that transcends normal rules of punctuation.
If there remains a strong clinical concern for mass in the chest, then follow up will be obtained or alternatively a CT scan of the chest will be performed.
In a medical setting, not using a comma after the "or" would be quite routine particularly as "alternatively" sets the next section apart. Otherwise, use a comma - it will be ignored anyway since doctors have to read quickly!!

[Naamplao]

If there remains a strong clinical concern for mass in the chest, then follow up will be obtained or alternatively a CT scan of the chest will be performed.

Does another comma go before or, after or, or after alternatively?

I'm confused on this particular sentence.

Thanks,


Erin

You have more of a problem with articles than commas

If there remains a strong clinical concern for the mass in the chest, then a follow up will be obtained or alternatively a CT scan of the chest will be performed.

[David L.]

DO NOT USE THE ARTICLES SUGGESTED. This is correct for literary writing - but these are hospital notes and a doctor would not say, for instance, 'then a follow-up'. the reason is, a follow-up suggests one consultation, whereas in this medical situation with mass in the lung or chest, follow-up means an ongoing process of monitoring. A doctor might write, "He has been offered a follow-up appointment" about some patient.

[Naamplao]

DO NOT USE THE ARTICLES SUGGESTED. This is correct for literary writing - but these are hospital notes and a doctor would not say, for instance, 'then a follow-up'. the reason is, a follow-up suggests one consultation, whereas in this medical situation with mass in the lung or chest, follow-up means an ongoing process of monitoring. A doctor might write, "He has been offered a follow-up appointment" about some patient.

Point well taken