The number of Web sites that offer medical information grows every day. Unfortunately there are no rules for what kind of information can be put on the Internet or who puts it there. So how can a person distinguish between a site with good information and one with bad? There are some universally agreed up-on criteria that you should look for.

Is the site easy to use? There should be a logical arrangement to the menus and the site should be easy to navigate. If there is a chat room, the site should let visitors know what the terms of using the service are. If there is an about us link, be sure and use it.

What is the purpose of the site? The content of the site should be concrete and aimed at a specific audience. If the content is a series of links to other sites, each of the links should work.

Who runs the site? A good site makes it easy for you to learn who is responsible for it and its information. Sites run by the government and universities are the best sources for sound medical and health information. Private practitioners and lay organizations may have other agendas, such as politics and marketing, that can influence what information is included on their site and what sites they link to. Are the credentials of the person in charge of the site given? Does that person have any kind of medical background? Is there a way to contact the person in charge of the site if you have any questions?

When was the site last updated? Web sites should be updated on a regular basis. The most recent update or review date should be clearly posted. Medical and health related sites should be updated weekly or monthly, as a rule. If there are any dead links, that could mean the site is not updated regularly.

Does the site charge an access fee? If the site does charge one, make sure it is worth the money. Use a searcher to see whether you can get the same information without paying additional fees.

How secure is the site? If you are asked to fill in personal health information, the site should tell you exactly what is going to be done with the information. Be sure to read and follow all the security information before supplying any kind of personal information.

Hopefully these tips will give you something to go on when trying to find reliable medical information on the Internet. Always remember, though, that the Internet is an informational tool not a substitute for standard print medical sources. Don’t attempt to use the Internet for self- diagnosis; the first line of defense with any illness is to see a doctor.