The platforms patients use to self-diagnose

A recent report found that 54% of Americans have self-diagnosed using online information, with search engine and medical information websites being the most commonly used sources.

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The “2024 U.S. Healthcare Consumer: How the Internet and Social Media Are Affecting Patient Choices” by EMarketer.com surveyed 1,391 Americans in December 2023 about what online sources they use to self-diagnose a condition. 

Here are the most commonly used platforms: 

Note: Respondents could select more than one answer.

Search engines: 79.5%

Medical information website (e.g. WebMD, Healthline): 59.4%

Hospital or health system’s website: 22.8%

Social media platforms: 14.9%

Physician’s website: 13.2%

Online medical journals: 10.3%

Health insurer’s website: 9.5%

Prescription drugmaker’s website: 8.7%

Government health portals (e.g., CDC): 7.6%

Retail pharmacy website (e.g., CVS, Walgreens, Walmart): 7.2%

ChatGPT, Bard, or other AI service: 4.4%

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