Health news with poor scientific quality may convey inaccurate or confusing information and thus mislead readers and limit the effectiveness of public-health responses. Such ill-informed reporting also risks stigmatizing the afflicted and potentially fuels feelings of responsibility for the disease by ordinary citizens.
Specialist medical reporters are perceived to be able to provide more technical, accurate information and gatekeep stories with appropriate nuances. They are readily available and can be contacted by phone during peak story gathering times.
The Source of Information Makes a Difference
The way healthcare news is presented makes a big difference in how much you actually learn from it. It’s important to find a source that focuses on the science behind medical discoveries, as well as the political and business aspects of the industry. Having all the relevant information in one place is also a major plus, so that you can make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.
Some of the best sites include KHN, which provides a daily Morning Briefing that packs in everything from their original healthcare stories to policy and state-based coverage. It’s a great site for the general healthcare professional, and it’s worth signing up for their newsletter to stay on top of any changes in the industry.
Medical Xpress is another site that’s geared toward physicians, and their content is a lot more scientific than most other sources. They have a huge collection of articles that are always fact checked and medically reviewed, so you can be sure you’re getting the most accurate information available. They also have a subscription option so that you can receive daily synopsis updates in your email.
Modern Healthcare is a magazine that covers both the business and clinical aspects of the industry, with an emphasis on hospital management and technology. Their website offers a variety of subscription options, including print and online versions. They have a great blog that breaks down the latest healthcare issues, and their yearly conference is an excellent opportunity for healthcare professionals to meet with one another and discuss new trends and developments in the field.
Healio is a medical professional’s dream, with a huge selection of publications that are all clearly categorized by type. This allows them to be easily accessed by doctors and other medical practitioners, making it easier to get the most relevant information to their particular fields of expertise. This site also has a monthly newsletter that delivers a list of the most interesting and important medical news.
Finally, HIMSS Media is a global news site that provides breaking healthcare tech news, interviews, and features. They cover everything from digital health to patient engagement and revenue cycle management. Their website is divided into different sections – Video, Provider, Payer, Pharma, and Investor – to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Find a Personal Touch
When it comes to health news, finding a personal touch is important. Blogs are an excellent way to do this. Write posts in a conversational tone like you are talking to a friend or family member, avoid medical jargon and keep the content as fresh as possible. A great example of this is Seattle Children’s Hospital blog, Seattle Mama Doc, written by a pediatrician. Her blog covers a range of topics from head trauma to e-cigarettes, and her writing conveys that she believes parents want what is best for their children and families. This humanizes a large institution, while still keeping the reader informed.
Find a Specialist
When it comes to finding a specialist, Sullivan says that “it’s not just about credentials. You’ll have to find a doctor who you feel comfortable with.” She suggests asking friends and family for referrals. But even if you’re able to whittle down the list of possible doctors, it’s still not a guarantee that they will be a good fit. Jones points to tools like the cost estimators currently offered by some Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliates, which can help you figure out your potential out-of-pocket costs. She also recommends checking to see whether a specialist accepts your health insurance. If not, you may be facing expensive out-of-pocket costs.