WebMD

These sources consist of legitimate science or are evidence-based through the use of credible scientific sourcing.  Legitimate science follows the scientific method, is unbiased, and does not use emotional words.  These sources also respect the consensus of experts in the given scientific field and strive to publish peer-reviewed science. Some sources in this category may have a slight political bias but adhere to scientific principles. See all Pro-Science sources.

• Overall, we rate WebMD Pro-Science based on citing medical literature. We also rate them High for factual reporting based on proper scientific sourcing.

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Detailed Report

Bias Rating: PRO-SCIENCE
Factual Reporting: HIGH
Country: USA
Press Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: High Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

Founded in 1998, WebMD is an American corporation known primarily as an online publisher of news and information pertaining to human health and well-being.  Although WebMD is typically scientifically sound, it has been criticized for promoting unnecessary drugs by its pharmaceutical sponsors. Although this was several years ago and no longer appears to be the case.

Read our profile on the United States government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

WebMD is owned by KKR & Company Inc., an investment firm based in New York City. The company also owns Medscape, EMedicineHealth.com, and MedicineNet. Revenue is derived through advertising and sponsored content.

Analysis / Bias

In review, WebMD provides information on drugs and supplements, living healthy, family and pregnancy, and news & experts. Each of these is broken down into subcategories. Let’s cut to the chase. People come to WebMD to find out about drugs and diagnose medical conditions. While it is recommended to see an actual living doctor for these questions, WebMD is an excellent place to start and a great way to generate questions for your Doctor’s visit. They may roll their eyes, but it is better to be informed and ask the correct questions. With that said, WebMD is a pro-science source that is factual but not a hard science source.

Failed Fact Checks

• None in the Last 5 years

Overall, we rate WebMD Pro-Science based on citing medical literature. We also rate them High for factual reporting based on proper scientific sourcing. (D. Van Zandt 11/27/2016) Update (10/26/2022)

Source: https://www.webmd.com/