Did you miss our Consumer Health Information on the Internet workshop?
Here are some resources for finding reliable health information on the Internet. Remember that the information you find online should supplement, not replace medical care.
Information should be current
Information should be reliable
Is the author or content provider given?
Are the author’s qualifications given?
Is the organization reputable?
Look at the web address for clues:
.gov = government
.edu = education
.org = organization (non-profit, research, or professional)
.com = commercial entities
Helpful Websites
MedlinePlus Guide to Healthy Web Surfing
Guide to evaluating the quality of health information on websites.
MedlinePlus
The National Institutes of Health’s Web site for patients and their families and friends. Produced by the National Library of Medicine, it includes information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues.
Healthfinder.gov
Includes resources on a wide range of health topics selected from over 1,600 government and non-profit organizations. Coordinated by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and its health information referral service, the National Health Information Center.
Castle Connolly America’s Top Doctors
Search doctors who were selected after peer nomination, extensive research, and careful review and screening.
American Board of Medical Specialties
Find out if your doctor is Board Certified by an ABMS Member Board. You must create a free account in order to search the database.
New York State Physician Profile
Find information on a doctor’s medical education, and any legal actions taken against the doctor.
PatientsLikeMe
Enables people to share information that can improve the lives of patients diagnosed with life-changing diseases.
National Institutes of Health Senior Health
Health and wellness information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health. Users can enlarge the text or hear the text read aloud.
Lab Tests Online
Research and understand the many clinical lab tests that are part of routine care as well as the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of conditions and diseases. Produced by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry.
RxList Pill Identification Tool
Identify your pill or medication.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is the Federal Government’s lead agency for scientific research on the diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine.