How to Navigate Health Information in Today’s Ever-Changing News Cycle

Author: Eugenie “Genie” Komives, MD – Chief Medical Officer, WellCare of North Carolina

In today’s fast-paced media landscape, it can be difficult to keep up with the constant stream of information, especially when it comes to healthcare. The intense volume of news and complicated medical updates can leave people feeling confused or disengaged, making it harder to stay informed on necessary topics. In fact, the Mayo Clinic reports that nearly nine out of 10 adults struggle to understand and use health information effectively.

While feeling overwhelmed with terminology, changing recommendations, or stressful health situations is completely normal, staying informed is key and empowers you to make educated decisions, understand findings, and recognize risks.

That’s why it’s so important to have a trusted healthcare provider. WellCare of North Carolina (WellCare) emphasizes member-centered care, including helping individuals evaluate health information and make informed decisions in collaboration with their providers.

Changes in Information

Medical knowledge and healthcare recommendations are constantly evolving. This progress is driven by ongoing research, technological advancements, and new interpretations of emerging data. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a powerful reminder of this reality. Public health guidelines shifted as experts learned more about the virus, its transmission, and treatment strategies. While these changes could feel confusing or frustrating, they reflected the scientific process in action—adapting as more evidence became available.

Today, the pace of publication has accelerated, with many studies shared as preprints or early findings. It’s normal for recommendations to change over time as evidence strengthens. Understanding that change is a part of progress can help foster trust in the health system.

Understanding Your Sources

As you read and stay up to date on the latest healthcare information, it’s important to understand where your information is coming from and how different sources may vary in credibility.

• Peer-reviewed journals are among the most reliable sources of health information. Articles are reviewed by experts before publication, ensuring the research meets rigorous scientific standards.
• Reputable health institutions like the CDC, Mayo Clinic, or Johns Hopkins Medicine regularly publish accessible, evidence-based updates. For example, Johns Hopkins developed a Digital Health Scorecard to help users assess the quality and reliability of health apps based on factors such as content accuracy and user experience.
• Mainstream media can be helpful for identifying broad trends and headlines. However, since they cover a wide range of topics, their reporting may not provide the same depth as specialized health sources. Cross-referencing with trusted medical institutions is a good practice.
• Nontraditional sources, such as social media, podcasts, and blogs vary widely in accuracy. These platforms are popular and may shape public perceptions of health, but it’s important to verify claims with more authoritative sources.

Questions to Ask When Reading Health News

When engaging with health-related news or digital content, consider the following questions to evaluate its reliability:

• Who is sharing this information?
• Is the claim supported by a well-known medical institution or study?
• Is it trying to genuinely inform? Or to sell something?
• Is this guidance relevant to me and my health conditions?

When individuals encounter confusing health headlines, healthcare providers can play a key role in interpreting the information and offering personalized guidance based on a patient’s specific context.

The Role of a Care Team

Care teams are an important part of healthcare delivery, particularly within systems like Medicaid. Care teams, commonly seen in programs like Medicaid, often consist of primary care providers, care managers, and clinical staff who collaborate to support health outcomes.

Beyond clinical expertise, care teams often provide critical help in interpreting health guidance, managing chronic conditions, or navigating complex care systems. Many health plans also offer services such as 24-hour nurse helplines for quick consultations and support.

While digital tools such as symptom checkers or AI chatbots offer convenience, they are not replacements for professional medical advice. A Cleveland Clinic survey found that 72% of Americans viewed chatbot-generated health advice as accurate—but nearly 90% still said they would consult a physician before acting on that advice.

This underscores the continued importance of healthcare professionals in delivering personalized, human-centered care that considers an individual’s full medical history and unique needs.

Setting Simple Habits to Stay Informed

Staying informed about your health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By building a few simple habits into your routine, you can feel more confident navigating health information and making decisions that support your well-being. A few include:

• Simplify your media: Rather than sorting through a flood of information, choose two-three trusted sources, verified by your provider, and check them regularly. Sticking to a few high-quality sources you trust will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape in a digestible manner.
• Be wary of social media: While platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube can raise awareness of health topics, they’re also filled with misinformation and unverified advice. Fact-checking health content found on social media with reputable sources or healthcare professionals is an important step in ensuring accuracy.
• Printed materials: Healthcare visits can feel overwhelming, especially when complex medical terms are used. To combat this, ask for printed materials or explainers in accessible language during appointments. Many clinics offer brochures, handouts, or web links to help patients better understand diagnoses, treatments, or preventive care.
• Patient newsletters: Reputable institutions, like Johns Hopkins Medicine or Mayo Clinic, often offer newsletters that provide health research, wellness tips, and updates on common conditions. Subscribing can be an easy way to stay connected to trusted, timely health information.

In today’s media landscape, navigating health information can be complex. Trusted healthcare information resources, such as WellCare, play an important role in helping individuals, families, and communities access accurate, understandable insights. By promoting transparency and supporting health literacy, organizations like WellCare aim to build confidence in the information that shapes care decisions.

Call the 24-hour Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-581-9952 if you have questions or check the back of your member ID card for additional phone numbers. To learn more about the care and services available to you, visit ChooseWellCareNC.com.