Sexual Health Buzz

This is what WEBMD has to say about the Health Professionals that answer medical questions on their site

Here’s what stands out to me the most

“Our Health Professionals and Invited Guests provide information only — they are not permitted to advise, diagnose, provide crisis intervention, or otherwise treat users of this site. As well, they are not able to refer users to specific health care providers, nor are they permitted to communicate with users of this site via e-mail correspondence or any other form of communication outside the message boards without the written consent of WebMDHealth management. Please note that due to time constraints, our Health Professionals and Invited Guests may not be able to respond to each message board posting.”

I take it that the WebMDHealth management team gives special permission to certain health care providers so that they can interpret test results, refer people to their personal health care clinics, allow them to post links showing preferential treatment only towards sites that they personally approve of, interpretation of test results via the WebMD message forums, etc.

Isn’t that interesting how that works out for you if you are paid by WebMD to answer questions for them on their message boards? They don’t have to follow their guidelines I guess. But, what does it matter as long as we are encouraging people not to have open communication with their own personal physicians? I guess WebMD can do whatever it wants. It’s their site, right?

Here’s what WEBMD promises

“The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD Site!”