Use Web with care when seeking medical info

<p>If you have pain in your stomach, you may not want to go to a doctor. The uncertain cost in time and money can be daunting. You may not have access to a personal physician. </p><p>Instead, you search the Internet for “stomach pain.” You'll find all kinds of information, but without knowing the source or the details of the studies reported, you won't know if it is true or valid for your own situation. Now, you are really confused, and in addition, you are scared because you have just read about dreadful possibilities you had never considered.</p><p>These are frustrating times in health care, for patients and providers alike. Medical care has changed rapidly in the past 50 years, and with new expectations, the old models do not work. Society's health problems, new medications and procedures, and advanced technology have changed the way we practice medicine. Progress has made the cost of basic care prohibitive for many. In their frustration, many patients turn to the Web for personal health information.</p><p>Some health care requires personal attention, and some can be provided through the Internet. Using the wrong modality can be confusing — and worse, it can be dangerous. </p><p>What if we integrated the two resources? </p><p>Imagine a medical home. It's not a building, but an approach to providing comprehensive health care. Patients are active participants in their own health. Patients are cared for by an observant physician. This physician leads the medical team that coordinates all aspects of your preventive, acute and chronic needs using the best available evidence and appropriate technology. Doctors and staff know you well enough to know if you are stoic or a hypochondriac. You can ask questions without feeling foolish. </p><p>Add to this scenario the full integration of the Internet.</p><p>You would have access to a secure Web site, not unlike the one you use for banking or other sensitive transactions. On that site is a page with links to your own physician, to the staff at the office, and to your personal health history. There may be a daily health recommendation based on your individual needs or on current community health concerns. When flu shots are available, you get an e-mail alert and an opportunity to schedule an appointment right there online to get immunized. Through this site, you are able to look up your most recent lab results. When you have a milestone birthday, you get a congratulatory e-mail that lets you know what sort of health screens are appropriate now that you've reached a certain age. You can then read about those tests, research the pros and cons, and either refuse or schedule an appointment. All without having to pick up the phone, wait on voicemail, take time off work, or wait in a room to see a provider. </p><p>Used sensibly, the Internet can free up time and resources for the necessary face-to-face interactions that then become time well spent. </p><p>Until we are able to create such comprehensive access and care, we can each work toward a similar goal as individuals. Build a working relationship with a primary-care physician. You want someone who knows you over time, someone who helps you age as gracefully as possible.</p><p>Use the Web wisely. Be wary of information that appears too good to be true; it usually is. Be a careful consumer of information. Not all scientific studies are well designed, and some have been written with the expectation of financial gain. If you find something possibly relevant to your own situation, share it with your physician. </p><p>Not everyone is comfortable with the Internet. But for those who are, it is important to remember that the Web is a powerful tool with great potential for both healing and harm. It can confuse, deceive and scare us or make us all smarter, more efficient, and healthier. Use it for your own well-being and for an enhanced relationship with a physician who knows and cares about your health. </p><p><em>Dr. Stacey Kerr, a longtime Sonoma County family physician, graduated from UC Davis Medical School and is certified in her specialty by the American Board of Family Medicine. Her columns are not intended as a substitute for hand-on medical advice or treatment. Consult your health care provider before adhering to any recommendations in this column. E-mail comments to drkerr@the-doctors-inn.com.</em></p>