With information literally at our fingertips, the Internet can be a great tool for educating yourself about your body and possible health concerns, says Andrew Brown, M.D., an internal medicine specialist. Creating an agenda and reviewing the possible causes of your symptoms can make your doctor’s visit more efficient and productive.

“We have a short period of time in the appointment, so that’s much more beneficial in our partnership and in figuring out what I need to address,” he says. 

As a primary care physician, Dr. Brown sees patients for a number of reasons. When patients have issues they are prepared to discuss, it streamlines the diagnostic process.

“It helps me know what their concerns are,” Dr. Brown explains. “Sometimes patients come in, and I have to figure out what their concerns are. I go through a list of possible conditions in my head and try to figure out what’s wrong, based on past medical history that I know of.”

He cautions patients not to overdo their research, including not diagnosing themselves with an obscure condition they read about online. 

“Sometimes patients are absolutely convinced they have certain diagnoses,” Dr. Brown says, but thinking about the worst-case scenario can lead to unnecessary testing that a doctor otherwise wouldn’t recommend.

Statistically, it’s unlikely that you have the rare medical condition you read about online.

Resources for empowered patients

When researching, stick with reputable websites attached to peer-reviewed medical organizations.

“Doctors have embraced empowered patients,” Dr. Brown says. “I enjoy when patients come in and have done their homework. It makes my job so much easier.”

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