Internet taking bigger role in medicine

The technology director for one of Iowa’s largest hospitals says the role of the Internet in medicine continues to expand. Joe Smith of Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines says hospitals need to work with patients to properly use the information. He says there’s a lot of information, and that could hurt more than it helps.Smith says the information on the web can be very useful as a supplement to what your doctor has to say.He says he sees the Internet helping you talk with your doctor. Smith doesn’t think medical services on the Internet will work if you don’t have a personal connection with a doctor.Smith says the ideal process would use information services available via the telephone, along with the Internet and your doctor’s input, to address your health concerns. Smith made his comments at an Iowa Telecommunications Association meeting in Des Moines.