We always find ourselves looking for answers when we aren’t feeling our best. While we would like to go running to the doctor’s office every time a symptom arises, sometimes it’s just not in the cards. Whether you’re stretched for time or stretched financially, the research can end up falling on our shoulders.
However, there are resources online that simplify the search so that we are getting updated information, and not believing that a sudden tickle in the throat is a red flag for a rare disease.
Symptom Checkers
With over one million research reports, presentations, and clinical trial results being brought forward by medical science every year, there is so much that even top doctors may not realize has been unveiled in terms of treatment options for illnesses. IN this environment of big data affecting the ability of patients to make informed decisions about their health, MediFind has emerged as a leading option for patients to navigate the health system for new discoveries in rapidly expanding medical research.
MediFind uses trained algorithms to sift through this ever-expanding bulk of information for you. It then zeroes in on the findings that could help you learn about a new treatment or make a better-informed decision about what is currently impacting your overall health. Then, using proprietary natural language processing algorithms and a team of medical experts, MediFind extracts the most important information and simplifies the terminology so it can be more easily understood.
The result is the peace of mind that comes with knowing there isn’t an important new treatment or new clinical trial you’re missing out on.
Medifind’s symptom checker takes just minutes to use the first time. You will be asked to enter all of your symptoms and some basic health information for analytics purposes that are kept strictly confidential. In order to get the best results, it is important that you acknowledge all of your symptoms and health conditions. This provides a better understanding of the possibilities in terms of what your condition could be and which treatments are available.
Research Wisely
It’s important when going down the research tube to depend on a trustworthy source, and separate the reality of your situation to the worst case scenario that some websites may provide.
The latest research may not be accessible to certain websites, or it not be expressed in plain language that makes it easy to understand. Online health research can bring on challenges like chat rooms and social media posts that are not back up by credible sources. A person who had a bad headache that may have led to a more severe ailment is not a reliable source. This leads to what some medical experts have referred to as ‘cyberchondria’.
Be sure to acknowledge the more credible research options when considering second opinions or what you believe as better care regarding a novel treatment option.
Access to Doctors
While you may not be able to get an appointment with your doctor immediately (especially now with COVID-19 protocols limiting in-person visits), it is possible to do the research and present your findings to your provider.
After all, doctors may not be aware of new findings. Medical knowledge is advancing so rapidly that some estimate the world’s available information in the medical field doubles every 73 days. Be sure to keep any questions open-ended on any research findings, and voice your concerns over certain symptoms. At the end of the day, the goal is get yourself the best care and make informed health decisions.
Within a searchable database, be sure to earmark what stands out with the most commonality with your current health status when it comes to symptoms and longevity. Lay out all the information and allow your doctor to join you in laying out what could be in your best interest.
