Online Symptom Checker Summary

Martha Bebinger’s National Public Radio broadcast, "Study Finds Online Symptom Checkers Are Only Accurate Half The Time" (July 2015), suggests that although online symptom checkers are sometimes correct, the real solution to the illness takes more than just a potentially correct diagnosis. The author used evidence from a Harvard Medical School study about the accuracy of online symptom checkers, and also some quotes from the people who work for or run the symptom checking websites. The purpose of this broadcast seems to be to inform an audience that even if you think you diagnose yourself correctly by using a website, the website is only a guide to what may be, and a true diagnosis and treatment can only be given by a doctor. The intended audience
It seemed that she wasn’t necessarily picking a side when it comes to online symptom checker versus a doctor’s diagnosis. She included quotes from Dr. Ateev Mehrotra, who was the lead author of the Harvard Medical School study, and also Jason Maude, the man who runs the symptom checker, Isabel. The quotes work together to show symptom checkers aren’t the solution, but can be used as a helpful guide before a real physician is sought out.
The issue of accuracy was the main factor that makes the online symptom checkers seems so incorrect. Bebinger demonstrated the accuracy by saying, “The Mayo Clinic's first diagnosis was right only 17 percent of the time, but have the correct diagnosis on a list of 20 and 76 percent of cases.” This information allows for negative attitudes to be formed about online symptom checkers.
In regards Dr. Mehrotra’s opinion of online symptom checkers, he said, “They are simply providing some information on what might be going on with you.” This quote shows that symptom checkers aren’t necessarily a terrible idea, but they aren’t very accurate either and to really find out what is wrong with you a physician’s help is needed. He clarifies this idea by saying, “These sites are not a replacement for going to a