How to find reliable health information online
Sources: National Institute on Aging
There are endless medical websites and articles that provide health news and resources. Choosing trustworthy sources is an important first step to accessing reliable information. When searching online, you will find websites from multiple health organizations. The following questions can help determine which sites are trustworthy. Many of the answers can often be found in the website’s “About” section.
What is the purpose of the website? Who owns or sponsors it?
Understanding the motive of the website can help you better judge its content. The goal of any trustworthy health information website is to provide accurate, current and useful information.
If a for-profit company pays for the site, the health information may favor that business’ products or services. Sometimes, the website address is helpful for identifying the type of agency or organization that owns the site. For example:
• .gov identifies a U.S. government agency
• .edu identifies an educational institution, such as a college or university
• .org usually identifies nonprofit organizations, such as social service or research groups
• .com identifies commercial websites, such as businesses and pharmaceutical companies
Many commercial websites provide accurate health information. But it can be hard to distinguish this content from marketing and promotional materials. Any advertisements on a site should be clearly marked as such. Watch out for ads designed to look like neutral health articles.
Who wrote the information? Who reviewed it?
If the author and/or contributor is listed, are they an expert in the field? Look for health care professionals or scientific researchers with in-depth knowledge of the topic. Does the author work for an organization. If so, what are the goals of that organization? A contributor’s connection to the website, and any financial stake they have regarding the information on the website, should be made clear.
Dependable health information websites will share sources and citations.
Trustworthy websites will also have contact information — an email address, phone number and/or mailing address. Look for this information at the bottom of web pages or in a separate “About Us” or “Contact Us” page.
There is a big difference between information written by a single person interested in a topic and a website developed by professionals using researched and peer-reviewed scientific evidence.
Online information, even if it is accurate and trustworthy, should never replace seeing a health care professional who can thoroughly evaluate your unique situation and provide specific advice.
When was the information written and updated?
Look for websites that stay current with their health information. You don’t want to make decisions about your care based on out-of-date content. Often, the date the information was created and reviewed or updated will appear at the bottom of the page. Older information isn’t useless, but using the most current, evidence-based information is ideal.
Does the website offer quick and easy solutions to your health problems? Does it promise miracle cures?
Be cautious about websites claiming any single remedy will cure many different illnesses. Also be wary of sites suggesting simple or unproven treatments for a disease. Question dramatic writing or promises of cures that seem too good to be true. Look for other websites with the same information. Even if a website links to a trustworthy source, it doesn’t mean that the site has the other organization’s endorsement or support.
Trust your instincts
Use your good judgment when gathering health information online. There are websites on nearly every health topic. Use the information you find online as one tool to become more informed. Don’t count on any one website. Discuss what you find with your doctor before making any changes to your health care.
For reliable health information, see the following sources:
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 1-800-232-4636 | www.cdc. gov
• National Library of Medicine: www. medlineplus.gov
• U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: 240-4538280 | https://odphp.health.gov
• USA.gov, the official guide to government information and services: 1-844-872-4681| www.usa.gov
• Your health care provider can also suggest ideal sources of online information. If your doctor’s office or health system has a website, it may include a list of recommended links.
• PA MEDI is a federally funded health insurance counseling program for Pennsylvanians who are eligible for Medicare: PCA Helpline – 215-765-9040
