Online Doctor Review Vs. Word-Of-Mouth

What’s better, an online doctor review or a word-of-mouth referral? Here are some things to think about.

Many individuals wonder if it’s better to make their health care provider choices based on an online doctor review or a word-of-mouth referral. In the old days, the personal reference was the only way to obtain an opinion. With modern times’ widespread computer availability, nearly everyone can look up information with the click of a keyboard. There are pros and cons for the different methods. Here are some things to think about:

The pros of online sources:

Widespread availability of information: With a computer, a person can research just about anything they might want to know about. There are more websites with this information than ever before. Instead of having the limited opinions of your circle of friends and family, the keyboard click allows a person to get the opinions of many more individuals.

Information on specialists: If a patient needs a physician with a specialization, they may not know anyone who has had a similar need. If a person breaks their leg while playing hockey, for example, they may need an expert orthopedic surgeon to properly heal the broken bone. Their circle of friends and family may have never had a broken bone in their life. Without the firsthand experience, how can they give a good recommendation?

Insurance company sites: If a patient has a particular type of insurance, their very own health care coverage provider may be able to link them to doctors who take the coverage. This eliminates lots of legwork, research and denied claims.

The cons of online resources:

Because the information is anonymous, it may be less reliable. Sites that post anonymous writers’ opinions may be the least reliable. If you don’t have to sign your name to your posting, you may say things that are over emotional or less accurate.

Can’t see the person who is posting: Being able to look at a person gives clues that reading a post doesn’t. The opinion may be slanted for whatever reason.

The pros of “word-of-mouth” referrals:

You know them: Let’s face it; the individuals who are giving you advice straight out of their mouths are usually people you know well. Is it really negative? You may realize that the person, Aunt Hilda, who is spouting off is negative about everything in life. This allows you to discount her advice. If it’s your Uncle George who had a miraculous recovery from a bout of cancer, his opinion regarding the expertise of his oncologist will carry huge weight.

They care about you: Advisors in your own personal circle of contacts often care deeply about you. That’s why they’re offering up their advice to begin with. This will mean that they will give advice based on what they believe to be in your best interest. An insurance company website, for example, may give information that works best for their company’s agenda.

Word-of-mouth limitations: A major con of personal recommendations is that they are limited. Let’s face it. Your friends and family only know a few docs unless they work in the medical field.

There are pros and cons for both an online doctor review and your friends’ or family members’ recommendations. It would be wise to check into both when making a decision.

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