---
title: Wikipedia Is No Stand-In For A Medical Professional
description: While Wikipedia may be easy to access, a study about widespread health-related errors on the site shows that it's no substitute for an expert opinion
---

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# [Wikipedia Is No Stand-In For A Medical Professional](https://www.discmdgroup.com/blog/wikipedia-stand-medical-professional)

 Written by [Blog](https://www.discmdgroup.com/blog/author/blog) | Jun 17, 2014 4:47:30 PM

The advent of the internet means that people now have access to just about every piece of knowledge that has ever been produced since the dawn of time.  But sometimes finding in-depth information from a professional takes a lot of time, and that’s why people turn to a site like Wikipedia.

While helpful in some regards, the community aspect of the site means that errors can occur, and when those errors relate to your health, they could be costly.  A new report from [Men’s Fitness](http://www.mensfitness.com/life/why-wikipedia-could-cost-you-your-life) relates a study featured in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association that found at least one mistake on 90% of Wikipedia pages related to health.

The lesson should be clear:  you can rely on Wikipedia for obscure facts, but when it comes to your health, take no chances.  Always consult with a doctor rather than trust in what’s indicated on a page edited by a community that may or may not have the proper experience on the subject.

[View full post](https://www.discmdgroup.com/blog/wikipedia-stand-medical-professional)

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