Cracking the Code: Sorting Medical Fact from Fiction

Accessing accurate health information in today's digital age is more crucial than ever. With so many online resources, distinguishing between fact and fiction can be challenging for patients. As a healthcare provider and a healthcare consumer, I've observed the growing issue of misinformation, which can erode trust and pose risks to patient well-being.

Patients often encounter misleading information from various sources, including social media advertisements promoting unproven medications or treatments. These advertisements, often endorsed by self-proclaimed "experts," may lead patients to question their primary healthcare provider's recommendations and opt for costly proprietary medications that lack FDA approval and insurance coverage.

Some individuals with medical titles may prioritize financial gain over patient welfare, promoting their products or services regardless of their efficacy or safety. I see blatant examples of this every time I'm on social media. This unethical behavior only worsens the problem of misinformation in healthcare.

It's also unfair to blame patients for their lack of understanding or poor health literacy when encountering medical information. Instead, it's the collective responsibility of the medical field to communicate in language that patients can comprehend. Patients often experience a sense of distrust due to the overwhelming amount of information available, making it difficult to discern what is credible. Empowering patients with accurate information is essential to building a positive and trusting patient-provider relationship.

Here are some steps you can take to discern medical fact from fiction:

1. Avoid unethical providers

Is the provider trying to sell you their propriety medications or special knowledge that only they have? While I can’t say this wrong 100% of the time, it is highly suspicious. While the medical system certainly isn’t perfect, and so much research still needs to be done, most responsible providers try to stick to safe, evidence-based medicine. Solid scientific studies are widely available, and someone claiming to have a particular cure or knowledge should lead you to be very cautious. Medical knowledge evolves, but there is usually a consensus among experts in the field. If you come across information contradicting widely accepted medical advice, it's worth seeking a second opinion from a trusted healthcare professional.

2. Trusted sources

Read trusted sources online, such as Medline Plus, WebMD, Healthline, and Mayo Clinic. Avoid unknown sources and sites/providers claiming special cures or knowledge. Your health is too important to rely on misinformation. By being vigilant and discerning, you can navigate the vast medical information available and make informed decisions about your well-being.

3. Message Boards

Reading online message boards, such as Reddit, for medical information can be misleading or inaccurate as most people venture to these sites with negative experiences that may or may not be attributed to the treatments/medicine under discussion. Sharing information and experiences online can be very beneficial, depending on the topic, but when it comes to medical issues, please be wary.

4. Medical Home

Please find a trusted medical home, get regular check-ups, and ask them about starting new medications or treatments. Urgent care has its place, but I discourage one-off appointments with a different provider each time for regular care. A provider can't have a solid understanding of your health needs until they have seen you consistently. This is crucial for getting the best care for yourself. An urgent care provider will not recommend preventative care or screenings as they are generally there to assist with your one pressing issue. So, you are missing out on critical aspects of your care.

5. Too Good to Be True

The adage “if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is” is very accurate in the medical field. I was once invited to visit a so-called wellness clinic where they recommended you place your hands on a metal object, which would then tell you what medical ailments you had. No lab work or other exams are needed! There is no basis in science for this. If there were, medical providers would be happy to offer it!

As healthcare providers, it's essential to address this issue by educating individuals about reliable sources of information, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting evidence-based practices. By empowering people to make informed decisions and navigate the complex landscape of healthcare information, we can lessen the impact of misinformation and prioritize patient safety and well-being.

As a patient, always be your own advocate, don’t be afraid to ask questions and receive the excellent care that you deserve!