Make sure your patients select credible Web sites
Tips for finding health info on the Web
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) in Washington, DC, recently issued an advisory for consumers and medical providers on the appropriate use of the Internet for obtaining health information and medical services. As more and more Americans turn to the Internet for information, ATA suggests case managers share these tips for selecting credible medical Web sites:
o Look closely at the source of the information. ATA cautions that consumers should select Web sites only from reliable, recognized, and credentialed health care providers. The source of the information should be labeled clearly and annotated. ATA endorses the concept of professional associations accrediting Web sites that provide consumers medical information.
o Seek assurances that information is objective. ATA notes that many drug companies and medical equipment manufacturers either contribute to or sponsor Web sites. It recommends that consumers look for assurances that the information in these cases is objective and does not favor the sponsor’s products.
o Avoid on-line diagnoses. ATA urges consumers to exercise caution in using Web sites that offer on-line diagnoses of medical conditions. It notes that there are currently no recognized regulatory or accreditation authorities overseeing the operation of such sites.
o Avoid on-line prescriptions. ATA notes that it is an obvious conflict of interest for health professionals who prescribe medicines to have any financial relationship with the manufacturers of the medications they prescribe. It cautions consumers against obtaining prescribed medicines from Web sites that offer both diagnosis of condition and direct sales of the prescribed medicine to treat the diagnosed condition.
o Seek assurances that medical professionals are licensed. They must be licensed to practice medicine by individual state authorities. Consu mers seeking medical advice over the Internet should receive clear assurances that they are interacting with a qualified professional holding the appropriate credentials. Also, ATA suggests consumers verify that the professional is able to practice medicine legally in the consumer’s location.
o Request consumer protection procedures. ATA suggests that consumers seeking clinical consultation over the Internet by credentialed providers make sure procedures that protect patient rights are in place. Those procedures include informed consent, information security and privacy protection measures, and documentation of the clinical encounter.
(For more details, visit www.atmeda.org.)
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