Medical Advice and the Internet – an Important Warning from AskDrWalker.com

We at AskDrWalker.com, have observed a dramatic increase in the number of inquiries from the public seeking medical advice.

Our policy is to redirect patients to their family physician.  We do not support the practice of diagnosis via electronic mail and caution those who rely on such services.

Most physicians agree that diagnosis is a blend of art and science.  Sometimes, the key to the diagnosis of a condition isn't simply the symptoms that the patient is describing, rather it is a combination of what the patient doesn't say and how he or she appears.  Electronic mail consultations are generally considered inadequate.

Of further concern is the fact that it is impossible to determine the credentials of anyone on the Internet who claims to be a physician.  A professional-looking web site is fairly inexpensive and is within the budget of any would-be snake-oil salesman.  Beware of anyone who is claiming to market something that is too good to be true.  Face it, love them or hate them, pharmaceutical companies are huge companies that make money by finding cures for what ails you.  If there was a miracle cure for something, they would leap on it and market it widely.

Our advice:  If you feel that you or your loved ones require medical attention, see your family physician as soon as possible.

We subscribe to the HONcode principles of the Health On the Net Foundation

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