"We've already gotten thousands of people to friend the Cleveland Clinic," said Paul Matsen of the Cleveland Clinic. "And they're really engaging with us. We're giving them content every day - news stories, community stories, health tips - and they're interacting and giving us feedback."

"A lot of them are patients and their families," said Nancy Paton of University Hospitals. "Using it to communicate, share information, share stories. They've asked us to be there because that's the way they like to communicate with us."

Across the country - some used Twitter to tweet during live surgeries. UH tweeted updates during the swine flu scare. UH and the clinic both have video channels on YouTube where they can showcase their specialties.

Matsen:"I think the potential is limitless, but you have to stay tuned into social media because it's constantly changing," Matsen said. "All the sites are adapting."

"In this day and age we have to be on so many different platforms in order to be able to provide that education and provide that access that people want," said Paton.

Right now it's mainly used for news and education, but it can also be valuable to correct misinformation.

"Whether or not you choose to be there, you're already being talked about on social media, so you have to decide are you going to engage in the conversation or are you going to sit back passively and just watch the conversation," said Matsen. "We decided to engage in the conversation."

Or someday actually be a real part of your specific healthcare.

"What a great use it would be sometime to enroll people in clinical trials make people aware of just what's out there," said Paton.

Good Gossip
A phone call from a close friend may be good for your health.

A new study from the University of Michigan may help explain why dishing with girlfriends and other social contacts can have major health benefits for women.

In the study levels of the hormone progesterone increased among college-aged women who participated in bonding exercises.

Hormones involved in bonding may decrease stress and anxiety.

Previous research has consistently found that people who have close relationships tend to be healthier and live longer than people who are socially isolated.