Usefulness of online ratings of MDs

Posted by musicbart @musicbart, May 16 6:39pm

I've wondered if online ratings of MDs are useful and accurate. I know they're subjective and I'm aware that lay patients may not be able to evaluate an MD except for such aspects as kindness, willingness to listen to concerns, allowing time for questions, etc., etc. I wonder if some of the ratings that one finds in this or that doctor evaluation website are plants to deceive possible patients. [When shopping at Amazon, I like to read the 1 star reviews because I suspect many of the 5 star reviews are plants to make people buy some product. The 1 star reviews point out the troubles or problems with some object/item. Since I favor the 1 star reviews, I don't buy much from Amazon.]

I also wonder if some MD evaluation websites exclude reviews that are honest and highly critical of an MD. Maybe this happens-- I don't know.

Tell me and others here what you think about the above. Thanks

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collegeprof | @collegeprof | May 17 9:28am

With respect to Amazon, there are a couple of websites like Fakespot and Reviewmeta that uses algorithms to insure accuracy of the reviews and whether some may be fake.

There are many so called medical sites that allow for reviews of doctors. Two important factors to note that most states have medical boards set up for you to review any "significant" complaints over the years. Here in Arizona, we have BOMEX. The other important factor to think about is the discrepancy of different medical sites. I believe I have, for example, the greatest endocrinologist in the world, but she is ranked on some sites from 3 to 5 stars. With Mayo, on many occasions, there are some docs who will spend quality time of up to an hour, and are not even ranked. With the influx today of Nurse Practioners and Physician Assistants, many have superior knowledge to provide great care. This rather muddies the water with reviews as to seek out a doc. In my opinion, the vast majority of docs are good, but many reviews represent the office environment of staff rather than one particular doctor. The final analysis is you and how you feel about going forward after your initial meeting.

Lara K | @larak | May 21 12:53pm

With respect to doctors, I tend to use your Amazon approach. If someone has a few one-star ratings, particularly if it's noted that they don't listen and are dismissive of patients' concerns, I'm not going to that doctor.

I also tend to write reviews on Healthgrades and Yelp and Google. If a practice asks and I like them, I'll do a generic, quick 4 or 5 star review. Just to add to their good rep and thank them. If I have a really crappy experience with someone, they get one star and a novel. LOL!