Overall Aims of MedicineNet.com

MedicineNet.com is an Internet site designed to provide educational health information for the general public. The aim of MedicineNet.com is to ensure that this information is reliable, integrated, and easy to access, read, and understand. MedicineNet.com's health information, or content, intended to provide the viewer with a better understanding of health issues.

MedicineNet.com presents health information to meet the public's general interest in the art and science of medicine. MedicineNet.com answers questions and clarifies the health concerns of patients, their family members, and their friends. In fulfilling the growing need for health information, MedicineNet.com provides viewers with explanations of medical issues that can, in turn, enable them to become more knowledgeable consumers of healthcare. Be aware, however, that information on MedicineNet.com or any other web site should not be used as a substitute for professional healthcare. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our site or any site.

With a team of writers and editors, experts in computer technology, and interactive software, MedicineNet.com's long-range goal is to build a worldwide electronic medical community for information exchange online.

Editorial Objectives of MedicineNet.com Back to Top

MedicineNet.com uses advanced technology not only for its overall site presentation, but also for its content production. MedicineNet.com editors take advantage of a unique electronic publishing environment that has been designed by MedicineNet.com's software technologists.

To ensure that MedicineNet.com is objective, accurate, and current in the medical information it provides, its writers and editors work as a team. The content in each MedicineNet.com article is critically scrutinized and edited by one or more editors. Only quality work of the highest caliber is accepted for publication on MedicineNet.com.

MedicineNet.com's Editorial Board members each have extensive experience in the medical editorial process, as indicated in their biographies. The Medical Editorial Board will uphold and be responsible for the critical and essential nature of the editorial integrity of MedicineNet.com.

To qualify for publication on MedicineNet.com, material must be logically and clearly presented, written in lay language, and be as free of bias as possible. When writers or editors express personal opinions on MedicineNet.com, these will be designated as such. Controversial topics may be presented, but every effort is made by the editors to ensure that a balanced view of each controversy is represented.

The content of MedicineNet.com is not designed to offer viewers medical advice or promote anyone's individual medical practice, programs, or agendas. MedicineNet.com has no agenda to refer patients to particular health care programs, providers, or medical centers (community, university, government, or any others).

Content Production Back to Top

MedicineNet.com content is produced according to a strict multi-step production process that controls an article from the initial data to final publication.

After approval is given by the Medical Editorial Board for new content, or to update/review existing content, a specific medical editor is assigned to work with each writer. A writer receives the assigned task, interacts with the assigned medical editor, and submits a draft of the text to the assigned medical editor. The medical editor critically reviews the text and returns comments, questions, and deletions as well as revisions and specific requests to the author. The medical editor may also seek the input of other members of the writing staff or Medical Editorial Board or outside reviewer. After further review following any input from the writing staff or Medical Editorial Board, the final copy of the text is ready for publication.

Selection of Topics and Content Back to Top

MedicineNet.com content is determined by the Medical Editorial Board. They may select medical topics that they consider timely and appropriate for MedicineNet.com. Topics are also generated in response to the interests and requests of MedicineNet.com's viewers, or the staff of MedicineNet.com. MedicineNet Medical Board members and writing staff involved in content production are separate and distinct from staff dedicated to advertisers or sponsors, and Medical Board members and writing staff do not perform duties on behalf of advertisers or sponsors.

In addition to content produced by MedicineNet staff, MedicineNet also includes content (including news, articles, and features) prepared by WebMD staff members. Content from WebMD staff is attributed to WebMD or WebMD staff (e.g., "WebMD Health News") and is produced in accordance with the WebMD editorial policy.

Writer and Editor Compensation Back to Top

Medical writers and editors receive compensation for content they have written that is published on MedicineNet.com. Medical Editorial Board Members receive compensation for their work in site maintenance and content production.

Becoming a Medical Writer or Medical Editor for MedicineNet.com

MedicineNet content is arranged in 47 medical specialties. We are continually adding new content, and reviewing/updating existing content. Within this process, authors and editors work together to publish a final product that is as credible, relevant, and accurate as possible.

Disclosures Back to Top

Medical Writers and Medical Editors

MedicineNet.com provides abbreviated biographies of all the doctors who participate or have participated in the content production of the site. Network of Doctors

Medical Editors and staff writers of MedicineNet.com agree to disclose any financial relationships with any pharmaceutical or health products or services company to the MedicineNet.com Editorial Board. Potential conflicts of interest will be monitored by the MedicineNet.com Medical Editorial Board.

MedicineNet.com does not accept payment for medical content, or content-production areas, from any commercial interests unless specifically identified as such on the site.

Identification of Divisions of MedicineNet.com Back to Top