Trusting Web For Medical Information Can Be Dicey
Many Americans have embraced the Internet, utilizing it for things from selling or buying items to planning vacations and a lot in between.
An amazing amount of information can be obtained with a few clicks of the keys by those who are most familiar with the process.
But there are some things for which it would not be wise to put too much dependence on the Internet. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott addresses one of those in a current article.
When it comes to something as important as health and wellness, Abbott said, Texans should never rely solely on a Web site to diagnose or treat a serious illness. Those seeking more information on these topics "should always consult their doctor or licensed health care professional."
Those who do utilize the Internet in search of health or wellness topics should always pay close attention to their information source, he advises.
Web sites offer informative, healthful information about a variety of health and lifestyle issues. But Abbott cautioned, "Not every site can be trusted for accurate, factual material. Texans who consult the Internet for health care information should always pay close attention to the entity operating the site."
In some cases, what appears to be a medically oriented Web site may actually be an advertising tool for a third party with a financial incentive to exaggerate or downplay a product's benefits or dangers, the attorney general noted.
He cites an example of a Web-based law firm advertisement that is particularly common among Web sites that are dedicated to certain specific illnesses or prescription medications.
The Center for Medicine in the Public Interest recently noted that Internet searches for medical information produced results that were "dominated by Web sites paid for and sponsored by either class action law firms or legal marketing sites searching for plaintiff referrals."
Similarly, Web sites that promote alternative therapies and treatments also may have financial interests that seek to influence a patient's decision, Abbott added.
Texans also are advised to be leery of information they discover in online forums, where patients, physicians and others discuss prescription medications and treatments. It is virtually impossible to verify the credibility of individuals who participate in interactive patient forums. A participant who claims to be a medical professional may actually be an attorney trying to solicit business or a vendor trying to sell products.
Anecdotal stories about prescription drugs or treatments, whether positive or negative, may not be based on sound science.
Texans should look for broader content and objective data sources to distinguish unbiased online information sources, Abbott suggested. Web sites created by reputable organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association often feature peer-reviewed medical journals and other impartial research sources.
Also, many government agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, impose similarly rigorous standards upon any research included on their Web sites.
Even trusted, verifiable online information cannot be relied upon to treat serious ailments or answer critical medical questions, Abbott stressed.
An in-person visit to a doctor's office or local clinic remains the best way to help ensure patients are getting accurate information tailored to their unique health needs.
