Strange as this may sound, one feature in health care may be hazardous to your health.

Convenience.

Yes. The easiest way is not always the best way, sorry to say.

Convenience is great to have when you have verified the information, doctor or hospital you are going to use.

Convenience is not great if it is the driver for how you use information or health care services.

What is more convenient than an app on an smart phone? How cool is it to be able to get one? Very cool, yes. Very.

But is it smart?

That all depends on the trustworthiness of the source. That also all depends on the nature of the medical issue that prompts someone to get an app. Is it potentially serious? Is this important to the quality of your daily life? Is the topic one you are researching for someone else?

If so, check the source for any app out before using it. Don’t use it to avoid a doctor visit.

My rule is: The less you want to go in, the more likely it is that you do need to go in.

Cool does not make the information accurate  or even right for you.

The same standards for getting good health and medical information anywhere else apply here.

Also, never use any general information as a substitute for advice you can get from a doctor who can see you, examine you and take a history of the problem.

The Los Angeles Times

“A guide to healthcare apps for your smart phone”

“With thousands of apps to choose from on such topics as exercise, stress management, diet and medical reference, trustworthiness is at a premium.” (Emphasis added)

…”Some physicians are concerned about the reliability of the medical information provided by many of these apps, which offer advice and information on a wide array of health topics, including how to find a doctor, first aid for an emergency and exercise instructions. And they worry that consumers could follow an app’s guidance for, say, monitoring high blood pressure, and leave it at that — forgoing visits with their physician.”

Source: Los Angeles Times, July 12, 2010