Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/56100
conclusion that her common symptom is due to a rare disease instead of to a more likely culprit. A patient who arrives at her physician's offi ce armed with a ream of printouts may already be wedded to a certain diagnosis, predisposing her to discount any advice of her physician's that is inconsistent with her own fi ndings. For physicians, encoun- tering patients who have performed their own medical detective work can be disheartening if the physicians must spend their time debunking incorrect self-diagnoses. Situations such as these can lead to mistrust on both sides of the relationship and hamper a physician's ability to provide the best medical care possible. Now, the Upside Self-diagnosis can be detrimental to the physician/patient relationship, but so, too, can outright dismissal of an empowered patient by a physician. Not all patients who consult the Internet for health information are cyberchondriacs; many patients are simply attempting to do what many physicians would like them to: empower themselves to become active participants in their health care. Empowered patients save time; it's much easier to discuss a medical issue with a patient who knows the basics about it than it is to have to explain the meaning of every term to a patient who knows nothing about the disease. If a patient knows where to look on the Internet to fi nd credible information and is an active participant in formulating her care plan while complying with her physician's directions, she does both herself and her physician a favor. The key to achieving patient/physician harmony when it comes to patients using the Internet to fi nd medical information is for each person in the relationship to make reasonable concessions to the other. Physicians, for example, shouldn't automatically dismiss patients' Internet fi ndings, as they could miss something with real merit. Physicians should ask patients to distill their findings and questions into one document instead of bringing stacks of research to the offi ce to discuss. To avoid difficult situations with patients, ensure they know where to obtain credible information on the Internet and discuss with them the Internet's advantages and limitations when it comes to fi nding health informa- tion. Promote an atmosphere in which patients are welcome to ask questions and feel comfortable doing so. Speak directly about any information a patient presents to you, no matter your feelings on its quality. By following these tips early in your association with a patient, you can ensure the Internet is an asset, not a liability, for both of you. ■ MDNEWS.COM ■ MD NEWS Central New York | 13