You Now Have Researched-Backed Permission to Go Ahead and Google That Weird Rash

In a new study published in the Medical Journal of Australia, researchers found more than a third of 400 emergency room patients had Googled their symptoms before going to the hospital. For nearly half of that segment, it wasn't the first time they had done so, either. Furthermore, those searches proved to be helpful when the patients met with a doc. "Patients reported they were more able to ask informed questions, communicate effectively, and understand their health provider," the study reports.

"Patients reported they were more able to ask informed questions, communicate effectively, and understand their health provider," the study reports.

So, the next time you're experiencing something that's bothering you, don't be afraid to use Google as a resource. But, then be sure to head to your doctor for an expert diagnosis so you can get a proper, non-internet-related treatment plan. Doing some of your own research beforehand—and being able to ask important questions and seek clarifications to would-be complicated notions IRL—can help you snag better care, even if your initial health-care hypothesis from Dr. Google was totally off-base.

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