Cyberdiagnoses

The wealth of information available in cyberspace has kept pace with the development of advanced medical exams and sophisticated equipment used in hospitals. In many cases, this has proven to be a convenient and less expensive alternative to consulting with the doctor; where symptoms appear to be more serious, most people take the time to read up on their medical complaints and symptoms even before they enter the doctor’s office. Consequently, medical practitioners are often spared the necessity of explaining the details and nature of their findings to their patients, ultimately increasing the bottom line given the decreased time involved per consultation.
However, even the most avid Internet user must remember that doctors do not exist merely to confirm a preliminary diagnosis generated through the Internet. The additional time and effort on the part of doctors in explaining the nature and purpose of every test conducted is important because information obtained from the Internet is not necessarily accurate or even up-to-date. Websites which list the common symptoms of diseases and illnesses are hardly reliable, simply because each patient’s history and habits are pivotal elements in a correct diagnosis. Similarly, patients must be vigilant in having their questions answered and concerns addressed by a licensed practitioner, who has the professional and contractual responsibility of correctly diagnosing one’s symptoms.
Moreover, and perhaps most importantly, anyone who has ever gone to a hospital to be treated will attest to the fact that each visit is not merely an intellectual exercise. More often than not, people are scared and apprehensive of finding out that they are even sicker than they had thought, or secretly imagined. Even with the patient’s rudimentary understanding of the medical procedure involved, it remains essential for doctors to translate the information available into layman’s terms, or at least something infinitely more accurate, personal, and understandable. Thus, while the Internet is especially useful in obtaining a general background on one’s medical condition, it remains a poor substitute for the personal and professional attentions of a licensed practitioner.