Does Online Medical Consulting Help With Diagnosis?

We’re all familiar with the stereotype of people reading a website like Web M.D., and falling for the worst possible diagnosis for their symptoms. This is a propensity that humanity has, to fall for sensationalism, even sensationalism at their own hands. When we already feel like we are unsure, we will fear the worst, and when a generally reliable source of trusted medical information proposes potentially terrible causes for our symptoms, it’s very easy to fear that these may very well be the symptoms we suffer.

With that in mind, can online medical consulting actually be helpful? Or, are we doomed to forever assume that the itchy spot behind our ear is melanoma, when in fact, it’s probably just nerves, mild skin irritation, or something far simpler in that same vein?

Well, this is actually a loaded question right now, due to the pandemic. Of all the places dangerous to visit flippantly, clinics, hospitals and doctor’s offices are probably among the most risky. Obviously, this is where sick people go, so of course, there would be a big risk of exposure there. Medical institutions are also overloaded trying to handle the situation, so as is the case with many aspects of life, we understandably try to turn to online, self-service models for other things.

Defining trusted medical information…

First, before looking for online medical consulting, we need to understand what defines trusted medical information in the first place. Not every blogger that fancies themselves a fitness/health/medical expert actually deserves to claim said title. A solid 99% of these people do not, in fact. While the Internet being a platform for the public to express themselves is a fantastic thing, it’s also dangerous if you take everything everyone says as gospel.

Trusted medical information is defined by something that, like with any other science, is peer-reviewed, or is provided by people who are themselves respected by peers and larger medical institutions and entities. If they don’t have the credentials and respect in the community, don’t listen to them!

When it comes to websites that provide online medical consulting, look into the pedigree both of the writers, administrators and the website itself. Is it run, operated and published by medical professionals? If not, then you probably shouldn’t trust any diagnosis nor consulting it provides.

Limitations are a problem…

Avoiding sensationalism is one thing, and that allows you to use trusted medical information to do some level of online medical consulting. Just assume, for the most part, that your symptoms are caused by the least-severe thing, unless you have enough conclusive evidence to suggest that the more severe conclusions may warrant investigation.

The problem, though, is that a chiropractor in Brick needs to physically examine you, and in many cases, scientific studies need to be done to make proper diagnoses. So, in the long run, if you have significant symptoms, and trying over-the-counter treatments for the milder potential diagnoses does not help, then actually physically seeing a doctor who can examine you in person is important.

Ultimately, the best advice right now is to first turn to online medical consulting, barring emergencies, and if the simplest, gentlest approach to solving the symptoms does not help, then it is time to go see a doctor in person.