Ask the doctor: Which internet resources can I trust for medical information?

By Jeanelle Murphy, DO

In this age of technology it is important to know what websites will give you accurate information about your health if you are looking to the internet for this important information.

When doing an online health search look for these quality features:

1.       Is the author a medical professional?

2.       Does the website have an editorial policy that is supervised by medical professionals?

3.       Is there a policy on paid advertisements?

4.       Is there clear contact information?

5.       Is there a clear description on the mission of the website and the author’s intentions?

Top 10 recommended websites by medical professionals for patients, families and caregivers:

1.       Medscape.com-latest medical news, clinical trials, drug development updates.

2.       Smartpatients.com-A place where patients, their families and caregivers can learn from each other about treatments, clinical trials and the latest science.

3.       Medlineplus.gov-online space of the United States National Library of Medicine which provides medical information for patients and their loved ones in English and Spanish.

4.       Drugs.com-Online pharmaceutical encyclopedia for patients and health care professionals with information on medication uses, side effects and potential interactions with other medications.

5.       Mayoclinic.org-Detailed information about medical conditions and diseases and an online symptom checker. International services available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese and Arabic.

6.       Orpha.net-an online database on rare diseases and rare medications including an assistance to diagnosis tool to allow users to search by signs and symptoms.

7.       Medgadget.com-Up to date information on medical technology, trends and research. Interpretation of study results as soon as studies come out.

8.       WebMD.com-Owner of Medscape. Features symptom and conditions checkers, drugs and supplements, health and wellness and family planner resources. Also features physician blogs on specific topics and community on social media channels such as Facebook which serves as a supportive network for patients, families and caregivers.

9.       Health.gov-operated by the US department of Health and Human Services My health finder is an English and Spanish site that provides a resource on wellness and prevention for individuals and families.

10.   SPM ePatients blog (participatorymedicine.org)-a blog that aims to facilitate the concept of participatory medicine, a movement where patients become partners with physicians in their health.