article_snippet: Burgert suggested using online symptom checkers simply to "understand possible diagnoses, find some initial steps for relieving the symptoms and determine if this is something that needs further evaluation or that can be managed at home.
article_snippet: " SymCat and Mayo Clinic's symptom checker let you type in what you're experiencing and unearth a spectrum of diagnoses and suggestions for when to seek a doctor's aid.
article_snippet: Your doctor's website might also have such a tool.
article_snippet: Sites like ZocDoc make it super easy (and free; doctors pay to be listed) to set up an appointment ASAP, so