You, your doctor and the Internet

your new healthcare team; learn how to use the Internet to make yourself better

Are you sick? Are you getting the best treatment? Do you want to check out alternative therapies? Do you understand your symptoms? Do you know why you are taking your medications? How can you monitor your health? Can you access your doctor easily? Do you know how experienced your doctor is, and whether he or she is expert in your illness?

The practice of healthcare is about patients and doctors sharing information - both face to face, and online. Medicine is increasingly being practiced online, as we gradually move into the Information Age.

“Your Health in the Information Age” is an exciting new book that shows patients how they can work more closely with their doctors by using the internet effectively.

Are you one of the 10 million Americans who search for health information on the Internet for themselves or for loved ones every single day?

Top Tips for Patients

Do you want to be able to email your doctor, but don’t want to trouble them? Find out the best way of approaching your doctor on this subject, and learn about “netiquette” (etiquette on the Internet).
Are you sure you are getting the best, and most up-to-date, treatment? Find out where to look for treatment guidelines.
Are you considering taking part in a clinical trial? Find out how by searching national databases of available clinical trials.
Do you want to improve your relationship with your doctor? Go online; simplify your healthcare; ask about e-prescribing options.
How is your healthcare going to change in the future? Find out about virtual reality and online doctors and clinics.
Are you an Internet addict? Or are you a “cyberchondriac”? Test yourself, and look for solutions if you or someone you know needs them.
About the Author

Peter Yellowlees MD is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Health Informatics Program at the University of California Davis. He is deputy editor of the Medscape Journal of medicine (http://www.medscape.com) and has lived in England, Australia and the USA. He is an internationally recognized expert in health on the Internet and his current projects involve virtual reality using Second Life (http://www.secondlife.com), telemedicine, email and video consulting and bioterrorism responses. He has written over 150 scientific articles and four books, has lectured in more than 20 countries, and has undertaken many media interviews. He lives with his wife Barb, in Sacramento, California.