Orthopedic Doctors: Writing a Review

The Internet has made it possible for millions of patients to share their experiences regarding healthcare professionals with others. While the medical community has mixed feelings about this open wall of information, there can be little doubt that it gives patients a power of choice, and a wealth of knowledge they didn't have before. Are there downsides to the usual ratings systems being applied to healthcare professionals? Perhaps, but more information is rarely a bad thing, when everything is considered. If you want to give back to the community, here are some tips on reviewing orthopedic doctors.

Background

A review typically centers around a personal experience, but the more unbiased, practical information you can include in a review, the better it will be. When rating orthopedic doctors, put as much of that information in your writing as possible. This includes the surgeon's credentials, his education, and any certifications he might have. Sources for this information will often be available online, or you can ask about it during your initial consultation. You'll also want to investigate whether or not there have been any misconduct or malpractice complaints filed against him in the past, and how they were resolved.

Bedside Manner

People not only want a surgeon they can trust with their health, but one who is somewhat pleasant to be around as well. This gets into subjective territory, of course, but it should be included in any good review of orthopedic doctors. A good physician should not only be skilled in the operating room, but skilled at helping his patients feel at ease. If every American physician was like Dr. House, M.D., there would be a great deal of people going abroad for their medical treatment.

The Office

It's the oldest stereotype in the book. Orthopedic doctors are adamant about their patients showing up on time for their appointments...only to keep them waiting in the lobby for a half hour. Of course, this isn't limited to any one specialty. It infuriates patients, and for good reason. Having said that, if it is a choice between a physician rushing through each appointment so he can keep everything running on time and the alternative, the answer is obvious. Still, you should note in your review how long you usually have to wait, how long it takes to get an appointment, and other relevant concerns to someone choosing a physician.

Quality of Care

The most important part of the review! Everything else is just dressing for this part. Did you get better under this physician's care? Did his path of treatment prove successful? There's some merit to the idea that you can't judge a physician based on someone else's results, but it is still information someone should have when making a decision.