Doctors are trained to diagnose problems, not to provide answers.They may know more about diseases and treatments than the average person but they can’t personally answer every question that you have. Luckily there are a number of resources available online to help you find answers to your health questions.
Most general practitioners or GPs have access to digital medical records through their medical associations, which means they can search for additional information on conditions they treat regularly, or refer patients to specialists who can do a more complete assessment of an individual patient’s symptoms. However some doctors may only be able to answer certain questions at this time due to staff shortages, lack of time or the cost of accessing new technology.
That’s where smart phones and internet access come in. You can get valuable advice from experts by searching websites that specialize in helping people with specific health concerns. Below we list several online support communities where you can find doctors and other health professionals offering free advice for common health concerns.
What is the best way to find doctors online?
The best way to find a doctor is by asking questions at support communities. These online communities provide doctors and other health professionals with a forum where they can offer advice on health and wellness topics.
You can post your questions in forums like the Harvard Women’s Health Watch and Doctors Online as well as ask for recommendations of doctors in your area. If you’re having trouble finding a doctor to answer your question, you can also try searching for specialized websites that provide answers to specific types of medical concerns.
Ask for help
If you don’t feel like you know enough about your condition to make an informed decision, ask expert members of the community for their opinion. You can also use this opportunity to see if you have any symptoms that may need further investigation.
1. WebMD
WebMD is a free resource with a variety of information on health conditions, treatments and common questions about the body and its functions. Be sure to access a physician directory in order to get the best treatment options for your condition.
2. Healthline
Healthline offers articles from leading doctors who are experts on many health topics including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and more. There is also a symptom checker tool that helps people better identify their own symptoms. It’s important to note that Healthline is not designed as a replacement for medical care but rather as an informational resource for people looking for answers outside of traditional medicine.
Talk to friends and family
If you’re not sure where to start, ask your friends and family.
Another option is to talk to other people online who have had similar health concerns. For example, if you’re worried that you might have cancer or are experiencing heart problems for the first time, searching for a condition on social media may be a good place to start.
Meditate and exercise
Meditation and exercise are a two-pronged approach to living a healthy life. Meditation can help reduce stress, improve mental health, lower blood pressure and slow the progression of age related diseases. It will also help you sleep better, which is particularly important for those with chronic conditions such as arthritis or diabetes.
Exercise has many positive effects on health. It helps keep your weight in check and improves your mood just by being active. This is great for people with an active lifestyle as well as those with chronic conditions that require regular activity in order to stay well.
Use a food diary to track your symptoms
An internet search for food diary will reveal a number of options. These diaries can be used to track your weight, exercise and other health information. As you record your food intake, you can categorize what kind of foods you eat to help identify potential triggers or trouble spots for symptoms. From there, the online journal can give you advice on how to avoid triggering those uncomfortable sensations or make lifestyle changes that will reduce them.
Get medical device support
If you have a medical device, like an artificial heart valve, it needs to be checked periodically but there are some things that should be done differently than what is on the label. It’s important to call for help or check the device’s manual when the care instructions change.
Do you have questions about how your medication interacts with other medications? The website Medsafe has useful information about interactions and side effects of medications.
Does your doctor not seem to know what he or she is doing? You can get support from a peer-to-peer online community like WebMD’s Ask the Expert where experts in specific medical fields field questions from members of the public. They can also direct you to other websites that might provide more information.
The internet offers so many opportunities for people dealing with health concerns and doctors who specialize in particular types of illnesses. With access to these sites, people can find answers quickly and get back on track with their lives.
Don’t be afraid of blood tests, x-rays and ultra sound screenings
If you’re not sure if your health issue is serious or not, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. In order to get a better idea of what might be wrong, ask your doctor for a blood test or an X-ray. Even though some tests can be expensive, you should never avoid getting them. If more tests are needed, you may have to pay for them yourself but they’ll help confirm a diagnosis and will be covered by insurance.
Skim your doctor’s notes before you leave
Before you leave your doctor’s office, make sure that you have read the notes. This will help you make sense of what your doctor has said and ensure that you understand the treatment plan they have given you. The notes should outline any questions or concerns you might have and what time frame the doctor expects your condition to improve within. If there are any more tests or appointments you need to take care of, this will also be outlined in the notes.
The busiest doctors often don’t have time to go through every single note with their patients, so it is important to ask them any questions as soon as you can after your visit. In addition, if at all possible try not to wait too long before going back for a follow-up appointment (this usually means no more than three months).
Take a walk or do yoga
One of the most common health concerns among people living with a mental illness is anxiety. This can cause panic, tension, and lead to restless sleep. There are a number of ways that you can reduce your anxiety levels to help yourself sleep better and feel more comfortable throughout the day. One way is by taking a walk or doing yoga as it helps encourage relaxation and helps your body release endorphins, which are mood-boosting chemicals in the brain.
Another option is meditation. Meditation has been shown to lower stress levels and improve focus as well as concentration – all factors that can help someone with an anxiety disorder function better mentally. Meditation has also been shown to decrease physical pain and emotional distress, which may also benefit those who struggle with emotional symptoms of mental illness.
Stay informed
about health issues
Staying informed about health issues is just as important as regular doctor visits. You can learn about the latest treatments that are available, how to improve your health and more by searching for related topics online. Also, you can ask questions on support communities like these ones to try to get answers from doctors and healthcare professionals.
Additional Resources
Doctors’ Lounge: https://www.doctorslounge.com/
Quora: https://www.quora.com/Doctor-Pages