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healthfinder.gov Quality Checkup

The healthfinder.gov quality guidelines were created by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) to help you judge whether health information offered on a Web site is useful and reliable.

See the checklist below to learn how the healthfinder.gov Web site measures up to these guidelines!

Required Quality Guidelines

Who created the site?

  • The names of the site developers, sponsors, partners, and funding sources are clearly noted.
  • The mission of the sponsoring organization supports the goal of healthfinder.gov.
    • The goal of healthfinder.gov is to offer reliable government resources, personalized health recommendations, and tips and tools to help you and those you care about stay healthy. ODPHP supports the prevention and wellness priorities of the Department of Health and Human Services through initiatives like healthfinder.gov.
  • The site offers a description of the organization, such as being a 501c3 non-profit association. If an organization does not disclose its status, it is prepared to provide this information if requested by the public.
    • About Us confirms that healthfinder.gov is a government Web site.
  • The organization welcomes and responds to public questions and comments using e-mail and/or other method(s).
    • Contact Us invites you to submit questions and comments by e-mail or mail.

What is the purpose of the site?

  • The purpose of the site and its intended audiences is clearly stated. healthfinder.gov links to sites designed to educate consumers on how to prevent illness and stay healthy.
  • The site provides easy access to free information that meets the interests and needs of consumers. A membership is not required to access information.
    • healthfinder.gov offers free public access to reliable consumer health information.

Does the site accept advertisements?

Is health information reliable and current?

  • Health information on the site is developed and/or reviewed by respected advisors or consultants with expertise in related health fields.
  • The original source(s) of health information are available on the site and reflect accurate and current thinking of the scientific community.
  • The site adheres to quality standards, such as Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HONcode) Exit Disclaimer, and offers reliable and credible information.
  • “Last updated” and/or “last reviewed” date stamps are posted on homepage, major entry points, and individual documents to show visitors that content is current and has been reviewed within the past 12 months.
    • healthfinder.gov is updated on a regular basis and date stamps are located at the bottom of every Web page.

How does the site collect and protect personal information?

  • If a site collects personal information using e-mail, forms, or surveys, it offers a privacy policy that explains how information collected from users remains private and confidential.
    • healthfinder.gov’s Privacy Policy explains how we collect and protect personal information.

How is the site maintained?

  • The site is continually available to the public and offers e-mail links to contact Web site staff responsible for maintaining the site.
    • Contact Us invites you to e-mail or mail us with your comments and questions.
  • The site offers fresh and timely information.
    • healthfinder.gov offers the latest health news online and by e-mail, plus a monthly newsletter with health tips and updates on new healthfinder.gov features.
    • Original content developed for the Quick Guide to Healthy Living is updated every six months.
  • Hyperlinks to information found both on and off the site are checked on a regular basis.
    • Links on and off the site are routinely checked and corrected if broken. Selected resources sponsored by outside organizations are reviewed within a 24-month period.
  • Content advisors, consultants, and/or a medical advisory board are available to review and answer questions about information offered on the site.

Recommended Quality Guidelines

healthfinder.gov recommends these additional guidelines when looking for quality health information.

Is the site easy to find and use?

  • The site is well organized, easy to navigate, and offers information that is easy to read and understand by intended audiences.
    • healthfinder.gov was tested with Web users and redesigned so it is easy to understand and navigate. The Quick Guide to Healthy Living received a ClearMark Award Exit Disclaimer for its easy-to-read resources and well-organized design.
  • The design of the site considers technical requirements needed to reach a wide public audience, including individuals with disabilities.
    • healthfinder.gov is committed to making its Web site accessible to the widest possible audience, including individuals with disabilities.

Is the site evaluated for customer satisfaction and usability?

  • The organization discloses if it evaluates the site to learn about the health information needs of intended audiences and improve its usefulness for promoting and improving health.
    • healthfinder.gov is continually tested and revised to make the site more useful for its visitors. Web Site Feedback offers three ways for you to tell us how we’re doing.

Does the site offer disclaimers and a linking policy?

  • A disclaimer states that the organization does not provide medical advice, recommend health care products or services, or control the information found on external Web sites.
    • Our disclaimers explain that healthfinder.gov and NHIC are information and referral services only and not meant to take the place of health care or services you may need.

E-mail questions about our Quality Guidelines to healthfinder@nhic.org.

Disclaimer — healthfinder.gov and NHIC are information and referral services only. We do not give out medical advice or recommend health care products or services. Also, healthfinder.gov does not control the content of the Internet sites or organizations listed.