Healthselect is a consumer health information site for readers in the United States. We focus on making medical topics easier to navigate while being clear about sources, uncertainty and the limits of general health information.
Health information can change as research develops and recommendations are updated. Our editorial approach is designed to keep pages clear about where information comes from, what it means and where important limits apply.
We look to established medical, public health and research sources when developing coverage, with particular attention to information relevant to readers in the U.S.
Important health claims are checked against the underlying source before they are included. Unsupported or overly broad claims should not be presented as established fact.
Health information does not affect everyone in the same way. Coverage notes relevant differences such as age, existing conditions, medications, risk factors and setting when they matter.
When evidence is limited, mixed or based on a particular population, that context is kept alongside the information rather than hidden behind a confident conclusion.
A medical claim can come from many types of evidence, and those sources do not all answer the same question. We consider the study design, quality, consistency and relevance of the available information before describing what it suggests.
The order shown here is a general reference rather than a fixed scorecard. The strength of a particular source depends on the question being asked and how well the research was conducted.
Healthselect is focused on consumer health information rather than medical services. Editorial coverage should be useful on its own and should not depend on a promise of a particular health outcome, product result or treatment decision.
Information on this site is general. It cannot account for a reader's complete medical history, medications, symptoms, insurance situation or personal circumstances.
Healthselect does not describe a page as medically reviewed, clinician reviewed or peer reviewed unless that review has actually taken place.
Where a page includes source information, readers should use those sources as the appropriate reference point for detailed medical guidance and current recommendations.
Medical recommendations are not permanent. New studies can add to existing knowledge, change how a question is understood or lead professional organizations to update their guidance.
When information is unsettled, Healthselect aims to describe that uncertainty rather than turn an incomplete answer into a definite one.
New research can support, challenge or refine what was previously understood.
Findings from a study group do not necessarily predict what will happen to every individual.
A healthcare professional can consider symptoms, history, medications and risks together.
Clear limits are important when health information is used to make everyday decisions.
Health outcomes depend on many factors. Information on this site does not guarantee a particular result.
General information and online tools cannot establish a medical diagnosis or determine the cause of symptoms.
Healthselect does not replace a doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or other qualified healthcare professional.
We do not present a product, supplement, procedure or practice as a proven treatment when the available evidence does not support that conclusion.
We do not use the names of medical organizations, professionals, awards or approvals to create authority that does not exist.
Clear health information, identifiable sources where available, practical context and corrections when an error is identified.
Browse health information, review the sources provided with an article or contact the site if you spot an error or have a question about published content.