Terrible, Very disappointing

I was initially really excited about this app as it promises personalized answers to health questions by real doctors as well as a wealth of other health info, but sadly the app is not well developed, the site is weirdly difficult to navigate, its USA-centric, and at worst, could even be deemed dangerous, in my opinion.

The info provided at every turn is so vague and brief that youd be better served asking literally anyone on the street for their opinion on a medical issue. Info about any drug, condition, or ailment can be found in half the time and infinitely more detail by doing a simple google search. The only issue being how reliable that info is and the difficulty in sorting through it all.

I was especially drawn to the app because you can supposedly "Ask a doctor" anything and get a credible response. To date, the closest thing on the web for a layperson is the terribly dubious and dated "Ask Yahoo," with replies from ostensible idiots and junkies.

But unfortunately this app doesnt do much better. Theres no acknowledgement youve asked a question, nor does it tell you when or if youll receive a response. I asked a question several days ago, havent heard anything.

Moreover, the "news feed" displaying other peoples questions with SHORT, curt answers, doesnt seem to refresh itself ever. For the last 3 days it has appeared utterly stagnated, but incorrectly says that postings are new (?)

With no more than 2-3 sentence answers to pressing enquiries - usually to the effect of "Consult with a doctor," this app feels like a slap in the face by doctors too busy to write a marginally helpful response.

Obviously, one can only give so much info on the Net to virtual patients without seeing them in person, but thats not the point, and virtual patients know this too.

Most people (though probably not all), arent asking "Should I head to the ER right now?!" Were looking for broader info from wise and CREDIBLE sources. But this app and the participating doctors seem to know its a waste of time.

Perhaps a more successful approach (if the doctors cared enough/were compensated appropriately), would be to provide links to further reading, other websites, research articles etc. Otherwise I might as well just flip through Cosmo, or god help me, Ask Yahoo.

HealthTap? More like HealthTrap.

Barney Andersen about HealthTap Primary Care Doctors, v4.4