Medical information online -- Is it safe?

Consumers today are using the Internet to get information about health, often as a means of supplementing traditional medical counsel. But how safe is it?

Easy access to virtually limitless health and medical information has pitfalls, experts caution.

"My advice to consumers about information on the Internet is the same as it is for other media, you can't believe everything you see, whether it's in a newspaper, on TV, or on a computer screen," said Bill Rados, a communications director at the Federal Drug Administration in Washington, D.C. "Since anyone, whether a reputable scientist or quack who has a computer, can publish a Web page, post information or offer advice in an online chat room, you must protect yourself by carefully checking out the source of any information you obtain."

Dr. Robert George, a Cape Girardeau family practitioner, believes the Internet is a great source of information, but when it comes to medical-related subjects, a patient's local physician should have the final say.

"Most patients have short office visits, and many doctors don't have the time to fully explain something," said George. "So I think people can assist themselves by using the Internet if they go to a reliable Web site."

George said he has referred patients to www.askjeeves.com, where there are responsible medical links. He said people who want to learn everything about systemic lupus erythematosus, for instance, can find that information there.

"I've referred people to askjeeves for their own edification," said George. "It's a good place to start, but the local physician should be the final authority."

Jeremy Barnes, associate professor of health management at Southeast Missouri State University, said there are Web sites that have reliable and accurate health information, but there are others that do not.

"One thing to look at is the sponsor of the site," said Barnes. "Sites that are maintained by government agencies, universities and professional organizations are usually trustworthy."

Barnes said some of the best sites are those maintained by organizations that deal with specific diseases or conditions. Examples of these are the Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org, the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org, the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org and the National Osteoporosis Foundation at www.nof.org.

Barnes said people should be wary of sites created by individuals.

"Many sites are created to sell products that have no proven health benefit," said Barnes. "Beware of miracle cures and claims that appear to be too good to be true. In particular, be very careful of sites that promote products that claim to help you lose weight."

Barnes advises people who use Web sites to garner health-related information to have their physician or health-care provider assess its merit.

"Use Web sites to make you a more educated consumer, not to self-diagnose conditions," said Barnes.

Many health-care professionals suggest using the Internet to help patients get information and help them make better use of their time with the doctor. It should never be used to self diagnose or eliminate a visit to the doctor.

And because there are so many sites selling "miracle" cures or touting new drugs, it is important to bring that information to your doctor's attention, said Roma Jeanne Elgi, a compliance officer in the Food and Drug Administration's division of labeling and nonprescription drug compliance.

"Your doctor can help determine whether the information is supported by legitimate research sources, such as journal articles or proceedings from a scientific meeting," she said.