Editorial Policy
Overview
Better Medicine, a HealthGrades company, strives to provide the most complete, objective and helpful health information on the web. We create easy-to-use health centers and special features with a focus on helping you take steps to better health. Whether your concerns are related to a specific disease or condition, or you are seeking more prevention-minded information, you’ll find the guidance you are looking for on our site.
Better Medicine’s editorial policy is guided by four pillars of editorial integrity in all content that is produced and published on our site. The four pillars are: accuracy, timeliness, transparency and privacy.
The content published on Better Medicine is developed according to a rigorous editorial process that includes extensive review by medical professionals. This site, however, is not intended to provide medical care. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, always consult your doctor. All information on this site is for educational purposes only.
Accuracy
All content is medically reviewed by at least one medical professional. Our content is backed by evidence from sources such as articles in peer reviewed journals, government bodies, objective health organizations and medical groups of specialists. The name and credentials of the medical reviewer(s) are printed at the end of the article.
Timeliness
All content is reviewed and certified by a team of medical experts once every two years at minimum. Updates occur as required by medical advances. The most recent review date is printed at the end of each article.
Better Medicine is maintained and updated daily. In addition to regular medical reviews, we will refresh our content to reflect changes and trends, interests and seasonality.
Transparency
Better Medicine employs a staff of seasoned health content and medical writers. Our team is augmented by a stable of reputable independent contributors. Content is selected, produced and published under the supervision of the Better Medicine editorial staff. Additionally, some content is licensed from established, credible health resources including:
- Harvard Health publications
- CancerSource content
- Gold Standard drug reference data
- HealthDay News
- HealthGrades physician information
In cases where content is provided by a third-party, advertiser or sponsor, attribution is clearly stated. The Better Medicine editorial staff does not control, influence or endorse this content.
Better Medicine is a free, ad-supported website. Advertisements are clearly marked with the word “Advertisement” in the lower left or right corner.
Certain content packages may be editorially created by Better Medicine’s staff, and funded by advertising sponsors. In these cases, the following attribution will appear at the top of the page.
This content is selected and managed by the Better Medicine editorial staff.
Consumers can click on the link to view the complete explanation (below) of the editorial independence from advertising sponsors.
This content is created or selected by the Better Medicine editorial team and is funded by an advertising sponsor. The content is subject to the Better Medicine medical review process for accuracy, balance and objectivity. The content is not edited or otherwise influenced by the advertisers appearing on this page except with the possible suggestion of the broad topic area. For more information, read the Better Medicine advertising policy.
Better Medicine users are encouraged to participate in discussion forums to share real-life health experiences and personal stories. Content supplied by users is not governed by this editorial policy, and posts are not reviewed or edited for medical accuracy. All user submissions are clearly attributed to the individual author. You can report abuse by clicking on the “Report Abuse” link at the bottom of each post.
Privacy
Health information can be sensitive. We take your privacy seriously and encourage you to read our Privacy Policy.