Symptom checkers and consumer kiosks used as symptom checkers
Most personal symptom checkers have taken over the medical and technological world. They give the power to healthcare consumers to take their health into their own hands. They also create new opportunities for these consumers to find out about their current health condition without having to visit a general practitioner or carve out time for a medical consultation. The working of online symptom checkers is based on data-driven decision trees and logical information, which can prove to be quite beneficial if used properly. However, while they make our lives easier and more convenient, they also come with their own set of problems.

How do symptom checkers help integrate technology with health care?

• It is a new technology that has opened many avenues for integrating health care and technology. Hence, using a symptom checker to understand what one is suffering from ensures that they get the best of both spheres.
• There are many apps and phone services that provide help to the patient right away. It has also enabled medical help to reach remote areas.

Who is benefited the most by symptom checkers?

• While everybody can utilize a symptom checker, there are certain people for whom it would prove to be the most helpful.
• These checkers help provide relief in a situation where the patient has no access to health care and thinks that they may require an emergency diagnosis. However, their situation may not require medical intervention.
• It is also a good option for individuals who want to gain expertise in diagnosing their own health and do not want to spend too much on medical care.

Does using a symptom checker cause unwarranted anxiety?

• A symptom checker can also cause unnecessary panic sometimes. As it is very easy to access online symptom checkers, it is very difficult to filter out the mental conditions of a patient.
• For people who panic easily and are already suffering through anxiety disorders, reading that they may have a certain disorder might result in unwarranted worrying.
• They may even start living with the fact that they are affected by a major disorder. However, if you do see something major come up in the results, getting a second opinion from a doctor is always better. A general practitioner may be able to read verbal cues and check some physical symptoms that you may not understand while using an online symptom checker.

Are there any consumer kiosks that are used as symptom checkers? How do these stand out?

• Yes, consumer kiosks can be used for this purpose. While online symptom checkers are used commonly, one may also use a consumer kiosk for this purpose.
• This is a perfect amalgamation because it gives you a certain level of physical checkup while technologically verifying your symptoms.
• These are generally found in locations that attract high traffic retail, and you may also see them in different malls, hospitals, corporate campuses, and even retail stores.

What are the disadvantages of consumer kiosks that are used as symptom checkers?

• Consumer kiosks are highly based on logical algorithms and may not be able to provide you with accurate information.
• There are limited machine logics planted inside these machines. They may only be able to direct you to a generalized result, wherein you can only find out whether you are healthy or unhealthy.
• If you need specifics regarding your health, this machine will not be able to help you a lot. For this, you will still have to approach a doctor to chart out a better course of treatment by understanding the symptoms and figuring out what you’re suffering from.