The Inner Workings Of TeenHealthFX / Question
Published: November 18, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Why aren't some of the health and illnesses questions actually answered? Im pretty sure most people come here to seek answers other than 'go see your doctor.' Anyone can tell you that! I myself came here to seek an answer to the butt crack bleeding question but you just practicly said in your answer 'go see a doctor for a diagnosis.' Does everyone have to pay just to find out answers for simple little questions like that one! Yes, thank you for telling us how he or she might have gotten it but how does that help him or her or the rest of us? I know going to see a doctor is the best thing to do but if we wanted to or were worried enough to then why would people waste their time asking questions? If it's something someone should be worried about then you should say go see a doctor. But why should I pay just to find out if what I got can be cleared up in a few days or is a serious medical problem? Im pretty sure, but I haven't checked yet, when someone on this site describes the symptoms of someone who is pregnant you answer with a yes. Unless you answer with a 'you should go purchase a pregnancy test kit or go see your doctor, then what was the point of even starting health and ilness section of this site? I know this probably won't get posted on the site but I just want you to know that you shouldn't be putting teens hopes. And if you can't diagnosis people's symptoms then what is the point in telling them what might be wrong with them? ie answering a question with 'you might have liver cancer' or something like that. It just pisses me off that after searching the web for a few days and finally finding something to do with my problem just to find out I could have saved my time and just went to the doctor. PS:What your doing is great! But for the health and illness section could you at least be alittle more helpful? Sorry if I have offended you in anyway... I just really don't want to drop my pant infront of some stranger I barely even know just to find out I could have avoided it.
Signed: Seeking Answers
Dear Seeking Answers,
TeenHealthFX's goal is to inform and educate our users about various medical conditions that are of concern to adolescents and young adults. We try to answer the questions as thoroughly as possible and encourage people to seek help when needed. TeenHealthFX is not a substitute for medical care and that is why we frequently make the recommendation that a doctor or other health professional assess the situation. The web is a great tool but it cannot be a substitute for good medical treatment. Correct diagnoses involve observation by a trained medical professional, taking a good clinical history and frequently some type of clinical testing. If you look in the legal section of the web site under terms of use you would find the following:
The information on the TeenHealthFX.com site is not a substitute for medical, psychological, legal or other professional advice. The information is intended to give the user general information about the subject area. The information on the site, or any site to which it links, is not medical advice and should never be used as a substitute for professional medical care or as the basis for diagnosing or treating and medical or psychological condition. TeenHealthFX recommends that you use this information to help you access medical, mental health, and other support services. If you have a medical question or concern, please contact your doctor.
We agree that it would not be good practice to tell someone they might have liver cancer via the web. If you look at the question we think you were referring to, OTC's & Elevated Liver Enzymes, you will find that liver cancer was one of the many possibilities listed for what causes elevated liver enzymes. There were many possibilities and it goes to show how difficult it is to diagnose an illness without a complete exam.
We appreciate your comments and take no offense to your inquiry. TeenHealthFX recognizes that it is not always easy for a person to communicate with a doctor about a personal problem for many reasons, modesty, fear and embarrassment. However, it is important to realize that a doctor's focus is your well being which includes making the patient feel as comfortable as possible. Try not to think of the doctor as some stranger but rather a professional who is there to help you and is committed to your privacy.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
About a third of women who seek services related to unprotected sex, such as pregnancy testing or emergency contraception, do not receive STD counseling, testing, or treatment.
