Online health information - what can you trust?


Definition

When you have a question about your or your family's health, you may look it up on the Internet. You can find accurate health information on many sites. But, you are also likely to run across a lot of questionable, even false content. How can you tell the difference?

To find health information you can trust, you have to know where and how to look. These tips can help.

What to Look for

With a bit of detective work, you can find information you can trust.

Things to Keep in Mind

While searching for health information online, use common sense and be wary.

Where to Start

Here are a few high-quality resources to get you started.

When to Call the Doctor

It is great that you are seeking information to help you manage your health. But keep in mind that online health information can never replace a talk with your provider. Talk to your provider if you have questions about your health, your treatment, or anything you read online. It can be helpful to print out the articles you have read and bring them with you to your appointment.

References

American Academy of Family Physicians website. Health information on the web: finding reliable information. familydoctor.org/health-information-on-the-web-finding-reliable-information. Updated October 14, 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022.

National Cancer Institute website. Using trusted resources. www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/managing-care/using-trusted-resources. Updated July 27, 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022.

National Institutes of Health website. How to evaluate health information on the Internet: questions and answers. ods.od.nih.gov/Health_Information/How_To_Evaluate_Health_Information_on_the_Internet_Questions_and_Answers.aspx. Updated May 4, 2022. Accessed November 24, 2022.


Review Date: 8/11/2022
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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