User Tips

Evaluating Web Sites

This short guide is intended to help consumers evaluate the information that is available on web sites and assist them in narrowing their search for assistance on the Web.   For more information about evaluating health information found on the Web, click-on the heading.

Primary Source Web Sites

Consumers should avoid the web sites of agencies that do not actually administer the programs in which they are interested.  The public and private health and human service agencies have done an excellent job of migrating their programs to the web.  Many agencies now offer easy-to-use eligibility-determination services and allow the consumer to apply on-line from the safety and security of their own homes.

Before the web was developed, organizations were created to help consumers to understand government services and public and private benefits and assistance programs.  However, this type of mission does not migrate well to the 'open-information market' of the web.  Their web sites are often secondary sources at best.  Only administering agencies can determine eligibility and enroll the consumer into their programs.  The consumer's search will end at the primary source web sites, so their search may as well begin there.

Government Web Sites

Tax dollars fund many health and human services programs.  A federal, state or local government entity, or a combination of government entities,  administer these programs. Most government entities have user-friendly web sites that allow the consumer to easily determine their eligibility and to apply on-line.

Local Web Sites

If you are looking for a food pantry, chances are that you will not find it on the web site of a national organization but on the web site of the local city, county, township, town or village.  Web sites of national organizations may not be very helpful in many cases because most health and human services are administered and delivered locally.  That is why this site lists links to local government  web sites.

Sites With Free Information

Consumers should avoid web sites that require membership, payment of a fee, a donation or 'registration' before allowing access to  information.  There are thousands of web sites that provide high quality, and often the same, information, free of charge.

Determine Funding Sources

Consumers should always check the funding sources for non-government web sites and also the sources for the information that is posted on the site.  A web site that receives funding from a pharmaceutical company might not be the most unbiased source of information on prescription drugs and related issues. Quality Web sites will make it easy for the consumer to learn who is responsible for the site and its information. If a Web site doesn't, then the consumer should exit immediately.

Web Sites are Retail Outlets

Web sites may provide valuable information but they exist to sell the organization's products and services, increase membership or solicit donations.  Consumers should view web sites with the same 'cautious eye' that they use when viewing television commercials and spend their time and money wisely.