Medical Ratings - How They Protect Consumers

Medical ratings are much more accessible than in the past due to the internet. There is more information available at the click of a mouse and keyboard than has ever been made viewable by the public before. Consumers that are well informed about their health care providers due to this ample source of information are able to make wiser choices. Being knowledgeable about options will greatly impact longevity and quality of life for each individual.

What can consumers discover online about medical ratings? Here are some examples of the information available:

- Doctors: Before selecting a doctor, a prospective patient can look into physicians’ education, specializations, location, hours and even what the office staff is like. There are also reviews written by past patients that are posted which describe their experiences. There are rankings made regarding each physician in multiple areas. Finding out about a doctor’s training, where he or she did an internship and residency, whether they are a general doc or one who has specialized in pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiology, obstetrics, etc. will be quite helpful in making a selection. Reading other patients’ commentaries about whether the office staff was competent, welcoming and a description of the physician’s bedside manner is helpful information, too. Learning about which health care providers are good communicators and who possess warm bedside manners is important information.

- Hospitals: Hospitals and clinics are rated on various items such as patients’ length of stay, costs and quality of medical staff. Rankings on online sites will state how each facility compares with the national and state averages. Specialists, types and numbers of procedures will be listed which will guide consumers to facilities with the expertise they need. Studies have shown that more patients leave the hospital to lead healthy lives after being cared for at a highly ranked facility compared to a lower grade clinic or hospital.

- Nursing homes: When selecting a nursing home for an elderly family member, it’s important to check out the facilities’ medical ratings before even taking tours of the homes. Online information will include such details as number of beds, how long the nursing home has been in business, one to five star rankings and reviews by patients and their family members. A visitor to the site will also find out whether they are a “for-profit” business or not.

- Health care insurance: There are multiple companies and types of insurance policies available to consumers. This industry has been undergoing vast changes over the last couple of years and a wise consumer will educate themselves before making a policy purchase. Laws and regulations are being revamped in order to make health insurance coverage a possibility for all. Grading scales online will rank financial strength of various companies as well as what they cover, details about co-pays and pre-existing conditions and more.

Whether a consumer is trying to select a doctor, hospital, nursing home or health care insurance, they need to do a bit of research. Online medical ratings will allow them to make wiser decisions.