If you’re like most people, you rely on word of mouth. But you can go online to size up health care providers in your community by finding out how they rate.
These web sites aren’t perfect:
These sites use only patient reviews to rank doctors. This means the ratings are based more on opinion than actual data showing how well a doctor provided treatment or care.
Some of these rating web site may promote physicians who have a paid rather than a free profile.
If you have questions, ask your health care providers. They can help explain what the rankings may mean – and what they don’t mean.
Use the information to help you decide. But don’t rely on it entirely. Consider what else you know, too.
Rating format: Percentage of patients that recommend the health provider. Each professional is ranked based on the criteria you selected for sorting.
What you can find: A list of specialists near you that you can sort based on what’s most important to you. For instance, you can sort by quality and patient feedback, type of insurance they accept, distance from you, and the doctor’s gender.
Details you can see: Directions and maps. How long health professionals have been in practice, their education and training, licensing and certification, how many office locations they have, hospital affiliations, what types of insurance they cover, languages spoken, and whether they are accepting new patients.
What the rating is based on: Online patient satisfaction reviews.
What you can do: You can look up a rating or add a review. You can rate the doctor’s staff and wait time. You can also rate how well the doctor listens and explains medical conditions. The site uses a 5-star rating system.