As a patient, I am unlikely to know all of those factors. All of these problems point to one solution. The relationship between the patient and provider will become even more important. As patients we need to ask our physicians to help guide us through the ocean of information. The provider will need to accept the increased knowledge their patients bring to the table, whether it is relevant or not, and assist the patient in understanding it.
Physicians can direct patients to sites they consider reliable.
As consumers, we need to remember that our lives on the Internet are extremely public. Our moves from site to site are closely tabulated and recorded. E-mail communications, rarely using any security measures, are usually fairly easily accessed by individuals and organizations other than the intended physician. You need to consider whether you wish to discuss your complaint in an e-mail communication. The government is finalizing guidelines to ensure greater privacy for health-related data.