Type into Google any symptom you can dream up and results are sure to be produced for websites offering opinions, diagnosis and treatments.  Online access to health “information” has rapidly grown and consumers are able to research their probable diagnosis at the click of a button.  However, keep in mind the next time you are

Educate According to Pew Internet, 72% of internet users say they looked online for health information within the past year.  While this shows a positive trend in consumers taking an interest in their health, this percentage can also bring issues as those seeking information online begin to “self-diagnose” while viewing incorrect or fictitious medical advice. 

Being part of the Facebook generation, I was twelve years old when it really took off in 2004, using social media to stay connected and up to date is all I know. I remember when Facebook was for college students…only. It was such a big deal if you got to experience this revolutionary network. Thinking

At this point, most of the major brands you would consider yourself “loyal” to are using Facebook and/or Twitter to connect with their fans and followers.  So, what is the point of a brand having an additional channel for communication and why do we choose to “follow” specific brands? According to research from ExactTarget and

It seems each time we introduce a new practice to the world of social media; there are an equal amount of smiles and nods as there are scowls and frowns.  Social media continues to get a bad rep, especially in the healthcare field, where many believe it does not belong.  Like the outcast pushed aside

A new innovative start up, known as Castlight Health, strives to bring transparency to the healthcare industry’s pricing structure.  The company, founded in 2008 in San Francisco, aims to arm customers’ with valuable information aiding in healthcare purchasing decisions.  Consider it a virtual priceline.com for the healthcare world; searching out quotes in a specific geographical

Incorporating a Social Media strategy into an organization, be it healthcare or other various industry, can be puzzling.  Questions ranging from, “What’s the point?” to “Are we even doing this right?” are bound to arise.  Everyone begins their Social Media adventure with a different level of knowledge and expertise.  For many healthcare organizations, we find

As healthcare continues to advance in it’s adoption and involvement in the social media space, fortunately, we see more and more physicians “dipping their toes” into what many consider uncharted waters. Patients, caregivers and the vast population of online health information seekers stand to gain insurmountable value from this interest and participation by physicians. With

Communication is, without a doubt, the basis of Social Media.  Unfortunately, for the millions of businesses around the world operating Facebook Fan Pages, we are unable to directly communicate with our fans without the entire Facebook community viewing our message.  As many of you are aware, Facebook removed the direct message feature from Fan Pages;

At times, we find convincing a physician or practice administrator to jump feet first into the deep, unknown pool of social media is more difficult to accomplish than getting a child to eat their vegetables.  Most give short, one-word responses; ranging from, “No.” to “Why?” So, why do we remain relentless in our push to