Why Do People Ask For Medical Advice Here?

6 Responses to Why Do People Ask For Medical Advice Here?

1. Susan Yarrawonga says:

   August 11, 2009 at 1:11 pm

   Doctors don’t have all the answers and can’t always help you.
   Yahoo! does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any Yahoo! Answers content. People who give incorrect answers cannot be sued.
   The Full Disclaimer at the bottom of the page below all the flags includes some comments on the Health section and actually advises people not to regard any Health section answers as a substitute for a visit to a doctor.
2. Ron M says:

   August 11, 2009 at 1:51 pm

   A really good question
   The answer has to be that some folks just have to tell somebody about their problem. Maybe it s fear or lack of knowledge but when disaster strikes these well meaning people will spill their problem out to the postman or a neighbor or even this forum.
   Of course YOU are right. They should seek professional advice.
   But it may surprise you to know that there is quite a bit of professional advice right here on Answers.
   You might have seen the flight assistant’s reply yesterday.
   This member knew every step by step procedure to a question which I thought could only be answered by the person writing the airlines.
   I’ve noticed retired dentists and nurses often give good temporary advice.
   Over the last few years I have seen at least 25 questions about eye problems. Since I was an eye physician for 50 years I was able to suggest a solution, always mentioning that I would never diagnose without actually seeing the patient and advising them to see their OD.
   Nearly everyone wrote me back saying that my instant reply helped them relieve their anxiety about their eye problem since it would take them a few days to get an appointment with a live doctor.
   But, although you are justified in being alarmed at people being so irresponsible, don’t you think that “Answers” is not an educated seminar but more of a “man on the street” sort of forum.
   I’ve noticed that many members are kids, others do not have much education yet and worst of all we have a bunch of people who think that Answers is like one of those ridiculous “CHAT ROOMS” where air heads of all kinds rant away like the idiots they are.
   Luckily you and I are not in that category since we have both had some BEST ANSWERS.
   Hope this answers your question. Merry Christmas Possum.
3. Bradgide says:

   August 11, 2009 at 2:48 pm

   When I give advice I try to get as much info as possible, do some research, and I don’t answer a question if I don’t know the answer. Some people answer questions and their info can be very misleading and false. These people annoy me because they just say whatever they feel and have no clue what they are talking about. Ignorant.
   I have never thought of the possibility of being sued. Definitely something to think about.
4. PA says:

   August 11, 2009 at 3:15 pm

   These are just peoples opinions. It’s called free speech. If someone comes on here and asks a question, and then believes the answer, then they are responsible. I agree with you. If you want an answer from someone that you KNOW is a medical professional, then go to your provider. I’ve seen a lot of answers on here that were just plain wrong. Then again some good advice too. But as far as getting sued, not a chance.
5. Flat_out says:

   August 11, 2009 at 4:12 pm

   People think us yahoo Doctors know more than a real Doctor. Just read the answers and look at the thumps up and down. It’s the same in the computers section the newbies telling the geeks whats best.
6. karen f says:

   August 11, 2009 at 4:22 pm

   There are some people on here with medical training, and although I’m not fully qualified yet (last year) I only answer questions I feel confident advising about.