When you have a question about your health or need some medical information, where do you first turn? For most of us, the answer is likely the same as where we go when we need information about anything – the internet.
With smartphones in our pockets or purses every waking moment, getting instant information – no matter where we are or what we are doing – has never been easier or faster. However, with that convenience comes added risk – the possibility that you could come across some information that is simply not true. And when it comes to your health or your family’s, that’s the last thing you want.
With millions of websites out there, how do you find the ones that will give you accurate and current information – without trying to sell you a product or service? Good news, you’re on one right now! At Privia Medical Group North Texas (PMGNTX), all of our online content is reviewed and approved by a panel of physicians who practice across multiple specialty areas.
Of course, there are numerous credible, reliable and respected websites out there where you can find health information. Here’s a quick guide for where to look – and what to avoid.
Where to Find Accurate Health and Medical Information Online
These are several online sources you can rely on to get accurate and up-to-date health information:
The Federal Government
U.S. government agencies provide some of the most reliable health information available. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) offer up-to-date data, research, and recommendations on a broad array of health topics. Both resources have accurate information on virtually any health topic you want to read about.
CDC also has helpful infographics and videos that you can take advantage of.
Academic and Medical Institutions
Prestigious universities and medical centers—such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Stanford Medicine and Harvard Health Publishing—maintain websites filled with evidence-based articles, research summaries and patient resources. These institutions employ experts in various medical fields who review and update their content regularly.
Many of these sites also have helpful functions, such as A-Z listings of various health conditions, as well as interactive tools such as symptom checkers.
“When it comes to online symptom checkers, keep in mind that they may be useful tools in some circumstances, but plenty of symptoms are associated with numerous conditions,” cautions Dr. Lynne Tilkin, a family practice physician in Fort Worth. “If you check a symptom, don’t obsess over the various conditions the symptom could indicate.”
Health Information Portals
Dedicated health portals, such as MedlinePlus and Healthline, aggregate information from reputable sources and present it in an easy-to-understand format for the general public. These sites typically distinguish between original content and information drawn from external sources via citations and links.
And of course, Privia Medical Group North Texas features health news with new content posted each month, all reviewed and approved by physicians.
Avoiding Misinformation, Biased Content & Fake News
While the internet is a great resource for helpful health and medical information, it’s also a breeding ground for myths, scams and lies. Follow these guidelines to stay on guard for misinformation or biased content:
Who’s Behind it?
Before trusting any health information, ask yourself: Who is publishing this content? Reliable sources are usually affiliated with reputable organizations, government agencies, academic institutions or professional societies. Be cautious when looking at sites with undisclosed authorship or those designed to sell products.
Who Wrote or Approved It?
Health and medical articles should be written or reviewed by qualified professionals—such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists or scientists. Many reputable sites feature “About Us” sections or author bios detailing contributors’ credentials. If these details are missing, find another source.
What’s the Source?
Accurate health information is typically backed by references to credible studies, official guidelines, or expert consensus. Reliable websites cite their sources, making it possible for readers to verify facts. If an article lacks references or links to supporting evidence, that’s a red flag.
How Current is it?
Medicine and health science are constantly evolving — recommendations can change over time. Look for sources that clearly indicate when content was last reviewed or updated. Outdated information can be inaccurate, unhelpful and even dangerous.
Is it Too Good to be True?
Headlines and stories promising “miracle cures,” “overnight results” or shocking revelations are often designed to attract clicks rather than inform. These articles may exaggerate findings, cherry-pick data or simply make things up. Approach sensational claims with skepticism and seek confirmation from more serious and reputable sources.
Avoid User Forums and Unverified Social Media Content
Online forums, chat groups, and social media channels can foster community and support, but they are not reliable sources of medical advice. Anecdotal experiences may not represent scientific consensus or may be influenced by personal bias. Use these channels for support—not for diagnosis or treatment decisions.
Beware of Fundraising Pitches
Some websites with health information are run by nonprofit organizations – many of these do important work and provide reliable information. However, that also means they are always raising money to support their efforts. Don’t ever feel pressured to make a donation to get accurate health information – there are plenty of good resources available that won’t ask you to part with your money.
Consult Your Doctor
When in doubt, speak directly with your doctor. A physician can help interpret online information, address questions and tailor advice to your specific health circumstances. Remember that online resources are supplementary—not replacements for professional medical care.
AI for Health Information
Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere right now. While it is helpful in some cases, take extreme caution about typing in a condition or symptom into an AI search engine and accepting the results as accurate.
The major AI platforms provide a disclaimer up front that the information they generate may be wrong. AI works by scouring the internet to provide an answer to your query – but as we already know, there is a lot of bad information online to begin with.
If using AI for health information – or for anything else – it’s crucial to check the source of the information and verify that it came from a reputable and credible organization.
Protect Your Privacy
Any of the online resources we recommend will provide you with free, accurate content that is accessible to anyone. If a website asks for any personal information to access an article, close the website and go somewhere else. There is no need to share any of your information to get accurate health information.
Additionally, don’t search for specific conditions or symptoms if you are on an unsecure public Wi-Fi connection.
How to Use Online Health Information
Once you’ve chosen trustworthy sources and equipped yourself with strategies to spot unreliable content, you can confidently use online health information to enhance your understanding and support your well-being. Here are some practical ways to put this knowledge into action:
- Get useful tips on healthy lifestyle habits, such as diet and exercise.
- Prepare for medical appointments by reading up on conditions, symptoms, or treatments from reliable sources.
- Stay up to date on public health alerts, immunizations, and travel advisories through official government websites.
- Utilize educational resources to help manage chronic conditions and support loved ones.
How Not to Use Online Health Information
While there is a lot of good health information available online, online resources have their limitations. Most importantly, a website cannot diagnose a condition.
“Online medical content is great for informing us and making us more knowledgeable about healthy living, various conditions and treatment options,” explains Dr. Tilkin. “However, there is no substitute for visiting your physician to diagnose an illness or evaluate an injury. Plus, you need to see your doctor for regular wellness checkups and screenings.”
Inform Yourself – But Use Caution
The vast expanse of health and medical information online can be both empowering and overwhelming. By relying on reputable websites, checking for credentials and consulting healthcare professionals, you can navigate this landscape wisely.
Stay vigilant for signs of misinformation or bias and always prioritize your health and safety by making informed, evidence-based decisions. And remember, there is no substitute for seeing your doctor when you need to find out what’s going on with your health.
This article has been reviewed and approved by a panel of Privia Medical Group North Texas physicians.
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