There are concerns over a growing trend for people to self-diagnose via Google - before seeing a doctor.

A survey of GPs, funded by the Southern Cross Health Society, has found doctors are worried about unreliable information online.

Southern Cross chief medical officer Stephen Child says Dr Google can be helpful, but at times disastrous.

He says they may jump to the worst case scenario or use information online to treat themselves.

"It potentially can do harm if people are spending money on treatment that is ineffective or if they forgo effective treatment for an ineffective treatment."

LISTEN ABOVE AS STEPHEN CHILD SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING