Back

The Internet Provides a New Pathway to Health Care

The Internet is changing the way Americans seek health care. In the past, doctors were the gatekeepers to medical information. With a Web-full of health information, the Internet has ushered in a new model of health care called "patient choice." Patients are looking for medical information and advice on their own, before seeing a doctor. The Internet allows patients to be much more involved with their own care.

Patients use the Internet to get information on many medical subjects. Patients often want doctors to recommend Web sites to help explain medical conditions. If the Internet is the wave of the future, then the information provided there must be accurate, well written, and unbiased. Patients need protection from companies that advertise products or services that haven't proven effective.

Patients who get accurate and reliable information on the Internet can make better decisions about their own care. But poor medical information on the Internet makes the doctor's job harder. It's important to help patients get the right information. Directing patients to trustworthy Web sites for medical information saves time and increases patient satisfaction.

References: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD, and Alexander R. Vaccaro, MD. Patient Education on the Internet: Opportunities and Pitfalls. In Spine. April 1, 2002. Vol. 27. No. 7. Pp. E185-E188.

Back