Health Information Is Not a Diagnosis
General health explanations cannot determine the cause of an individual's symptoms or replace clinical assessment.
#General information is not a personal assessment
The National Institute on Aging says that accurate, trustworthy online information should not replace seeing a health professional who can evaluate your individual situation and give specific advice. MedlinePlus makes a similar distinction: finding reliable information does not establish whether it is right for you.
Recognising a term or noticing a similarity between a description and your experience does not make the page an assessment. Mynd explains general health science. It does not take a personal history, examine you or establish a diagnosis through these pages.
Evidence: National Institute on Aging: reliable health information online / MedlinePlus: evaluating health information / Mynd Healthcare: medical disclaimer
#Do not turn a story into proof about yourself
MedlinePlus cautions that personal health stories are not scientific facts. Even a true account does not establish that the same treatment or experience applies to another person. NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements similarly distinguishes testimonials from information supported by research evidence.
A description may help you ask a question, but it should not be treated as confirmation of a condition or proof that a treatment will help you. Keep the source and its limitations visible. This page does not provide a symptom checker, diagnostic rule or personalised treatment comparison.
Evidence: MedlinePlus (reviewed 2024): online health information / NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: evaluating internet health information
#Use the information in a conversation about care
MedlinePlus recommends talking with your provider about questions concerning your health, treatment or material you have read online. It suggests bringing the article to the appointment. Mynd's disclaimer says not to start, stop or change medicines, tests or treatments because of this site, and not to delay seeking care because of something read here.
Save the question and page address so the concern can be discussed in context. This site and its contact address do not provide urgent assessment. If someone may be in immediate danger, use local emergency services rather than waiting for a website response. No clinical review has been performed on this educational page.
Evidence: MedlinePlus (reviewed 2024): online health information / Mynd Healthcare: medical disclaimer
Source note
The sections above were checked against the linked sources. No clinical review has been performed. This is general research education, not a clinical guideline.