Area health officials are seeing more patients turn to the Internet to self-diagnose their symptoms before going to the doctor's office.

Many are using medical websites so they can be better informed once they do make that appointment.

But health experts at Family Planning Health Services in Wausau say going online can become a problem if people use it in place of seeing an actual physician.

"Fine, you can get a little background information if you like," said Kathy Buyeske, a women's health nurse practitioner said with Family Planning Health Services. "But I would say, make an appointment, get in to see somebody to have it really confirmed as to what's going on."

Health experts say it's also important to choose a credible website. They suggest Web M.D. for general health questions and Ask Alice for teen sexuality information.