How to Find Reliable Health Information Online

As a doctor, I'm often asked, "I found something online about my condition. Is it accurate?" This is an excellent question as knowing where to find reliable health information can be a key part of managing your health.

With so much information available, it can be challenging to distinguish between solid medical advice and misinformation. That is why as part of Health Literacy Month, we will discuss below how to find reliable online health resources.

Why having reliable information matters

The internet contains vast amounts of health advice, but not all of it is accurate. Misinformation can cause unnecessary anxiety or lead to potentially harmful decisions, such as trying unproven treatments or delaying necessary care.

Having reliable information helps you:

• Understand your health better: Learn about conditions, symptoms, and preventive care.
• Prepare for appointments: Come with informed questions about treatments or medications.
• Feel empowered: Take an active and informed role in your healthcare decisions.

Knowing how to find reliable health sources is a good step toward becoming a more informed and confident patient.

How to find reliable health sources

It is important for you to review and determine whether the health source you are looking at is reliable. Here is a checklist to help you when evaluating health websites:

Check credentials

• Look for content written or reviewed by medical professionals (MDs, DOs, or advanced practice providers* (APPs)
• Seek information from reputable organizations, government agencies, or established medical institutions.

Look for evidence

• Review sources - look for articles that cite scientific studies or clinical trials
  • Studies involving a significant number of participants may be more reliable than those with a small number of participants
• Check publication dates - health information should be current
• Be wary of content promising "miracle cures" or promoting specific products

Evaluate the website

• Check domain names: .gov, .edu and .org sites are often reliable
• Determine the purpose: Avoid sites primarily focused on selling products

Examples of trusted health resources

Below are a few examples of some trusted health resources** and the type of health information you will find on them.

• Government resources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Disease information, vaccinations, and public health updates
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)/MedlinePlus: Easy-to-understand information on thousands of health topics
• World Health Organization (WHO): Global health information and data
  

• Medical institutions:
• Mayo Clinic: Comprehensive, patient-friendly health content
• Cleveland Clinic: Extensive health library reviewed by medical experts
• Johns Hopkins Medicine: Reliable articles from leading medical professionals

• Nonprofit organizations:
• American Academy of Family Physicians: Information on a wide array of diseases and treatments
• American Cancer Society: Cancer prevention, screening, and treatment
• American Diabetes Association: Diabetes management resources
• American Heart Association: Heart disease and stroke information
• COPD Foundation: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) information, management and resources

Having access to reliable health information is a powerful tool. It allows you to understand your health and conditions better, participate more actively in your care, and feel confident in the health decisions you make. However, online resources should only be used to support, not replace, your relationship with your healthcare team.

It is important to note that the vast amount of medical information found online varies, and it is not always put in the context of what you may be experiencing. This is why you should always discuss what you've learned online with your doctor or APP. They can help interpret the information you find based on your personal health history and create a treatment plan that's right for you.

By combining trustworthy online research with professional medical advice, you can confidently manage your health and well-being.

*An advanced practice provider includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

** If you visit any of the websites listed, be sure to review their website privacy policy and/or terms of use.