Ask HN: Why isn't there a vertical search engine for health?

#1

Post by aidscholar » Thu, May 23, 2013, 8:11 AM UTC

Why hasn't anything replaced Webmd for general health information? And why isn't there a vertical search engine for symptom/potential issue matching?

Seems like an opportunity, but I'm curious why there isn't a site that already exists for this.

Re: Ask HN: Why isn't there a vertical search engine for health?

#2

Post by bifrost » Thu, May 23, 2013, 8:28 AM UTC

I suspect the answer is "liability".

#3

Post by bhartog » Thu, May 23, 2013, 9:06 AM UTC

could it be to do with heterogeneity of data? and multitude of sources, difficult to link in the absence of clear standards?

#4

Post by yen223 » Thu, May 23, 2013, 10:26 AM UTC

bifrost wrote: post #2

I suspect the answer is "liability".

Bingo. There's a reason why everyone advises you to 'consult a professional doctor' when dispensing medical advice.

#5

Post by ig1 » Thu, May 23, 2013, 2:01 PM UTC