Health information accuracy: easy checks to trust what you read

Ever read a medical article and wondered if it's true? You’re not alone. With so much health content online, a few quick checks can save you time and keep you safe. Below are practical steps you can use right now to judge whether a piece of health information is reliable.

Quick checks to verify an article

Start with the basics: who wrote it, when it was published, and where the facts come from. If an article doesn’t list an author, a date, or references, treat it with caution. Look for links to studies, official guidelines (FDA, WHO, CDC), or journal articles. Real sources make claims easy to verify.

Watch for absolute promises. Headlines that say "cure" or "miracle" usually oversell results. Medical topics are complex—good articles explain limits, side effects, and alternatives. For example, on MedExpressRx we cover alternatives to drugs like Trelegy and Esomeprazole while noting pros, cons, and common side effects so you get a balanced view.

Check author credentials. A health writer with medical training or a clear editorial process is a plus. If the author is a patient sharing personal experience, that’s useful but not the same as medical guidance. Combining both types of content—real stories plus clinical references—is best.

Look for signs of bias. Is the piece trying to sell a product? Sponsored content should be labeled. If a site pushes one product hard without comparing options, dig deeper. Helpful posts mention costs, alternatives, and safety—like our guides on affordable COPD inhalers or traveling with asthma, which focus on practical choices rather than a single brand.

How to cross-check quickly

Run a quick cross-check: search the claim on major health sites (CDC, NHS, Mayo Clinic) or check PubMed for studies. If multiple trustworthy sources agree, the claim is more likely solid. If results are mixed, the article should say so and explain why.

Pay attention to numbers and doses. Bad info often gives vague dosing or unrealistic benefits. Trusted articles show ranges, caution about interactions, and advise checking with a clinician—see our drug guides like the Prevacid and Baclofen articles for clear dosing notes and interaction warnings.

If you’re unsure, ask a professional. Use a pharmacist or your doctor to confirm anything that could affect treatment. MedExpressRx makes it easy to contact us via our Get in Touch page if you want clarification on a post or need help finding sources.

Good health info is verifiable, transparent, and practical. Use these quick checks every time you read about medication, supplements, or treatments. That simple habit helps you spot reliable content and avoid risky advice online.