October 7, 2010 — On Sept. 23, many new initiatives spelled out in the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act (PPACA) went into effect. As a result, several popular medical websites are offering resources to help Americans understand the healthcare reform provisions being enacted into law and how they affect patients.
WebMD added many online resources to its website, including blogs, polls, news articles, and a community message board. Also available is a series of exclusive video interviews with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius based on questions sent in from the WebMD audience.
Medscape has also posted several interviews with Secretary Sebelius, in which she answers questions to help clarify how changes to healthcare might affect clinicians’ practices. In addition, users can access news and medical editorials, follow a healthcare reform blog and participate in polls and discussions.
Medscape is primarily intended to address provider concerns, whereas WebMD has tailored its material for a broader audience.
Source: American Chiropractic Association, www.acatoday.org
