More than 1/5 of of patients in this survey used information gathered from the internet to challenge their personal physicians.
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An informal polling of my own infertility patients revealed that over 90% of them searched the internet for medical information. In fact many of them do this regularly, on at least a weekly, if not daily, basis. When I make a diagnosis (ie, PCOS or endometriosis), I welcome them to do their independent research regarding their disease so that we can discuss any questions they may have. I strongly caution them NOT to believe everything out there and I urge them NOT to make any decision without discussing things with me first. Patients love this! First, they have a much faster buildup of trust in me as my opinions are corroborated by outside sources. In the times where there are apparent contradictions between my recommendations and internet misinformation, we have a discussion where I explain my viewpoint and allow the patient to make their choice (agree with me or go see someone else). It also serves to keep me ever amazed at the growing power of the internet.
Hmm, the internet saved me from having an unneeded surgery. I have a Morton’s neuroma and was seen by a “orthopedist” for the issue. I asked him about getting some alcohol sclerosing shots and he refused stating they did not work. I knew this was false from my research and chose to see another physician. Miraculously this other physician had done his homework and was an advocate of the procedure. I proceeded to get a series of shots and lo and behold they worked. If I would have listened to the original MD I would be in out alot of money and potentially still in a lot of pain.
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