Now, the support- group concept has been powerfully transformed by the Internet. All it takes is a computer, a modem, and some know-how. America Online's Better Health and Medical Network is probably the most comprehensive, with 52 message boards covering more than 2,000 topics, from developmental disabilities and learning disorders to heart problems, cancer, depression, sexual issues, and health-insurance concerns. She says about 3,000 messages are posted on its bulletin boards every day. The heart-disease section has many subdivisions, including one for people with irregular heart rhythms, which are sometimes serious but often merely annoying.
Some doctors spend time answering questions submitted by members of on-line support groups.
Advice received from on-line support groups should always be checked with medical professionals, Jenike warns, though he hasn't seen evidence of the groups disseminating bad information. Some on-line veterans take it upon themselves to act as collectors and interpreters of medical information.