WebMD

WebMD[edit | edit source]

WebMD is an American corporation known for its online publication of news and information related to human health and well-being. It was founded in 1998 by internet entrepreneur Jeff Arnold. The WebMD website is a comprehensive resource for healthcare information and is considered the most popular consumer-oriented health site. It provides detailed information about various drugs and medical conditions.

History[edit | edit source]

WebMD was established in 1998 by Jeff Arnold, an internet entrepreneur. In the early part of 1999, it became part of a three-way merger with Sapient Health Network (SHN) and Direct Medical Knowledge (DMK). This merger expanded the scope and reach of WebMD, making it a leading source of healthcare information on the internet.

Services[edit | edit source]

WebMD offers a wide range of services related to health and well-being. It provides comprehensive information about various medical conditions, drugs, and treatments. The website also features a symptom checker, which allows users to input their symptoms and receive potential diagnoses. In addition, WebMD offers tools for managing personal health records and provides access to a network of physicians and health professionals for online consultations.

Impact[edit | edit source]

As the most popular consumer-oriented health site, WebMD has a significant impact on the dissemination of healthcare information. It serves as a reliable source of information for individuals seeking to understand their symptoms, learn about different medical conditions, or research various drugs and treatments. The website's user-friendly interface and comprehensive content have made it a go-to resource for health-related information.

Criticism[edit | edit source]

Despite its popularity, WebMD has faced criticism for its potential to cause anxiety among users. The symptom checker, while a useful tool, can lead to self-diagnosis and unnecessary worry. Critics also argue that the website's content may be influenced by pharmaceutical advertising, as WebMD relies heavily on advertising revenue.

WebMD Resources
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