Why Self-Diagnosing May Be a Good Thing

These days most of us head straight for the Internet whenever something ails us, and thanks to sites like WebMD we probably all think we are doctors. But while self-diagnosing based on the web may sound like a bad idea, that may not necessarily true.

Recent studies show that 80% of Americans have turned to the Internet to search health-related topics, and a lot of research now shows that self-diagnosing can make folks better advocates for their own health once they visit the doctor.Here’s why:

  • The top online sources for medical information, provide information written or curated by actual physicians.
  • Among some of the most visited sites are government ones with good reputations like the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institute of Health.
  • Even if they do try to diagnose themselves on the Internet, most people use it as just one source and then head to an expert for confirmation, and are more likely to take that doctor’s recommendation over what they found on the Internet.
  • Being informed about what their condition could possibly be is likely to be an asset to an overworked doctor, and it will likely translate into a more efficient appointment because they’ll be prepared with specific questions about their symptoms.
  • Studies show researching one’s own condition on the web tends to improve a doctor-patient relationship.

Source:Newsweek


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