So far, we have only limited knowledge on how the patients' use of the Internet affects consultations. A review of 36 empirically based articles from 1999 to 2009 demonstrates that patients' Internet search for health information is widespread. However, there are signs that the impact of Internet searches on consultations is limited as a number of factors reduce the probability of an effect on the dialogue between physician and patient. Results are discussed with reference to three classic consultation models: the paternalistic, the partnership and the consumer model.