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

3 pointsaidscholar13y ago4 comments

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.

4 comments

4 comments · 3 top-level

bifrost13y ago· 1 in thread

I suspect the answer is "liability".

yen22313y ago

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

ig113y ago

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

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