# When Patients Go to "Dr. Google" Before They Go to the Emergency Department

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.03329 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2510.03329/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 1 Oct 2025.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Empathy by Design: Aligning Large Language Models for Healthcare Dialogue](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2512.06097/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Approximately one-third of adults search the internet for health information before visiting an emergency department (ED), with 75% encountering inaccurate content. This study examines how such searches influence patient care. We conducted an observational study of ED visits over a 12-month period, surveying 214 of 576 patients about pre-ED internet use. Data on demographics, comorbidities, acuity, orders, prescriptions, and dispositions were extracted. Patients who searched were typically younger, healthier, and more educated. Most used a general search engine to ask symptom-related questions. Compared to non-searchers, they were less likely to receive lab tests (RR 0.78, p=0.053), imaging (RR 0.75, p=0.094), medications (RR 0.67, p=0.038), or admission (RR 0.68, p=0.175). They were more likely to leave against medical advice (RR 1.67, p=0.067) and receive opioids (RR 1.56, p=0.151). Findings suggest inaccurate health information may contribute to mismatched expectations and altered care delivery.