Stop Googling That!

We have all done it: Googled a symptom in search of some medical advice. I’ve done it too, and I also see at least one patient a week come into my office with a print out from Google of all the scary diseases they may have.

Googling a rash or cough almost never leads to helpful advice. You cast a wide net and end up with way more information that doesn’t not apply to you, rather than detailed useful information.

Instead of all that wasted time and anxiety, get one of these apps. Or get all of them— depending how much of a hypochondriac you are! None of these is a substitute for visiting the right doctor, but they are a great alternative to Dr. Google!

FamilyDoctor.org

This app has a System Checker with simple yes or no questions that narrow down your symptoms to possible causes, plus treatment advice. This one is backed up by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

 

Need a similar symptom checker but for your little one?

 

KidsDoc
This app lets you search alphabetically by symptoms or by “body area” for what your child is complaining about. It has accurate dosages on common medications by your child’s body weight. It also has great first aid instructions for a variety of scary emergencies.

 

This doctor/mom has this app on her iPhone, and it’s backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics

 

Medlineplus.com

If you’ve already visited your doctor and have a diagnosis—this is the app to get your detailed information from. This site is run in part by the National Institutes of Health and has a wealth of information tailored to your specific diagnosis.

 

Ada

This app takes things to another level—AI. Using artificial intelligence to assess and track every symptom you record over time, Ada attempts to spot patterns in your entries and come up with possible diagnoses.

 

With over 4 million users to date, the advice it offers is detailed and helpful, but the jury is still out on how AI can think like a diagnostician.