When it comes to finding trustworthy health information online, WebMD is one of the best known and most used sites.
With millions of visitors every month, it’s clear that people all over the world trust this site for correct medical information, to check their symptoms, and to get tips on how to live a healthier life.
As a health fanatic and professional writer, I’ve spent a lot of time on WebMD over the years.
In this review, I’ll talk about what makes this platform so useful and what it could do better.
No matter if you’ve been to WebMD before or this is your first time, this guide will help you get the most out of it.
What is WebMD, and why do so many people like it?
WebMD is a huge website that is meant to give people health information in a way that is easy to understand.
Since it began in 1998, it has become one of the most well known names in online health. There are many useful things on the site, such as:
- Symptom Checker: Users can type in symptoms to get possible reasons.
- Drug and Supplement Information: Full descriptions of medicines and supplements, including combinations and side effects.
- Health Articles and News: This section talks about a wide range of health issues, such as nutrition, exercise, mental health, and long term illnesses.
- Condition Centers: detailed information about certain health problems.
- Doctor Finder Tool: helps people find doctors and other medical workers in their area.
One of the best things about WebMD is that it can make complicated medical topics easy for the normal person to understand.
Since I write a lot about health, I like that they focus on being easy for everyone to understand while keeping a professional tone.[1]
Key Features of WebMD
1. Symptoms Checker
One of the best things about WebMD is the Symptom Checker.
Users can choose their symptoms, answer a few questions about how bad they are and how long they’ve been going on for, and then get a list of possible diseases.
It’s not a replacement for a doctor, but it’s a great way to learn about possible health problems.
2. The Drug Information Center
It can be hard to understand medicines, especially when there is a lot of medical jargon involved.
The Drug Information part of WebMD is very helpful, clear, and to the point.
- Doses
- Side effects
- Interactions with other drugs or supplements
3. Health News
The latest health news is always added to WebMD’s website, making it a reliable place to learn about new medical trends, FDA statements, and groundbreaking research.
4. Tips to live healthy life
The site has useful information about health, exercise, nutrition, dealing with stress, and more.
I like writing about lifestyle topics, and I think WebMD’s pieces are great for people who want to learn how to do something.
5. Helping the community
WebMD builds a feeling of community through its forums and Q&A sections. People with similar health problems can talk to each other, making it a comfortable place for people going through hard medical journeys.
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What’s good about WebMD
1. Information that you can trust
All of the information on WebMD is checked by doctors to make sure it is correct.
This makes it different from other sites that might not have enough reliable sources.
2. It’s easy to get around
The website has a clean look that makes it easy for people to find what they need. Everything is organized in a way that makes sense, whether you’re looking for signs, information about a drug, or general health tips.
3. Free Access
Everyone with an internet connection can use WebMD’s tools because they are free.
4. Mobile App
The WebMD app has a lot of the same features as the website, which is helpful for people who are always on the go.
The bad things about WebMD
WebMD is great in a lot of ways, but it also has some problems:
1. Content that causes anxiety
This tool is very helpful, but it can make people worry about the worst case situation.
For instance, a simple headache could be put on the same list as serious illnesses like brain tumors, which would cause unnecessary stress.
2. Ads and sponsored content
There are ads on WebMD to make the site free. This makes sense, but the sheer number of ads can sometimes feel like they are getting in the way.
3. This is not a replacement for medical advice
Even though WebMD is very helpful, it should not be used instead of seeing a doctor.
Users need to talk to their doctors to get correct evaluations and treatment plans.[2]
My Personal Experience with WebMD
It has been very helpful for me to use WebMD when researching health issues for both personal and business reasons.
A few years ago, I used their Symptom Checker to figure out what was wrong with me that kept happening.
The data helped me ask better questions at my doctor’s appointment, which led to a faster diagnosis in the end.
In the same way, I’ve used their drug information pages to learn about the side effects of medicines that my family members are taking.
I didn’t have to read through confusing medical inserts because the material was clear and complete.
I’ve also fallen into the symptom spiral that WebMD is known for, though.
It can be scary to read about possible serious conditions, so I’ve learned to use the information as a starting place rather than a final answer.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of WebMD
- Use the Symptom Checker Wisely: It’s not a diagnosis, just a help. Make sure you always follow up with a doctor or nurse.
- Check with Your Doctor: Before you believe anything, talk to your doctor, especially about treatments or medicines.
- Be Selective: Don’t look into symptoms too much to avoid stress that isn’t required.
- Take Advantage of Tools: The Doctor Finder and health calculators can help you get better care generally.
Quick Pros and Cons of WebMD
Pros:
- comprehensive tools and information on health.
- user-friendly health information and a symptom checker.
Cons:
- can result in anxiety related to self-diagnosis.
- Users may become distracted by advertisements.
Websites Like WebMD
Even though WebMD is great, it’s always a good idea to look at other sites too. Here are some famous alternatives:
- Mayo Clinic: Offers in-depth articles written by medical professionals.
- Healthline: Known for its reader-friendly and visually appealing content.
- CDC and WHO Websites: Authoritative sources for public health information.
Case Study:
I’ve searched on different forums and got this user review. Reddit User (ShamelesslyPlugged) said WebMD is essentially useless for physicians. As stated, the site is geared towards the layman. For more knowledge visit Reddit
Final Words
Of course. WebMD is one of the best places to learn about health online right now.
It is a useful tool for anyone who wants to learn more about their health because it is easy to use, has correct information, and has many features.
It’s not perfect—ads and anxiety tied to symptoms are two common complaints—but it’s a great place to start learning about health.
I can suggest WebMD with confidence because I have used it for both personal and business reasons.
Don’t forget to combine your online study with advice from a doctor for the best results.
Source:
Belluz, J. (2016, April 5). The truth about WebMD, a hypochondriac’s nightmare and Big Pharma’s dream. Vox.
Kwiksure. (n.d.). WebMD: the Pros and Cons.