Dr Reviews - The New Way to Find Medical Care

Starting a few years ago, websites started popping up with “dr reviews” as their primary reason for existing. These sites provide a service to patients, those looking for a physician, and to medical professionals. Of course, not everyone sees it that way. Some physicians complain about the spate of sites offering these ratings, believing for some reason that they should be above public scrutiny, making them unlike almost every other service or product in America. On the other hand, those physicians who are consistently providing good care and excellent bedside manner day in and day out are pleased to see their efforts being recognized on a wide scale basis.

For years, people have been able to use online sites to write up their opinions about a never-ending plethora of products and services. From toaster ovens to restaurants to car repair shops, the internet has given the people a voice they have never had to this degree. This system allows the cream to rise to the top in a way that has never before been quite this possible. Naturally, those service providers or manufacturers who have been putting out shoddy products or services are entirely against this process and wonder where their business has gone. It’s easy to see this same phenomenon happening in the medical world.

On the other hand, there are some physicians who have a legitimate gripe with some of the “dr reviews” sites. With complete anonymity comes some obvious problems. Also, there is the fact that not everyone knows what is best for them. For instance, it has been pointed out that a patient hooked on painkillers could easily threaten a doctor with a bad review if they aren’t given what they want. They wouldn’t have to mention that this was the reason in their rating—instead simply making up a story to get back at the physician. For this reason, it might be better if these sites reduced anonymity and forced reviewers to provide proof of their real identities. This would allow the physicians to have a voice in the process as well, and fight back against unfair opinions.

As it stands, these sites can provide a valuable service for customers and would be patients across the country. Having said that, anyone using the sites should take each opinion and evaluate it with a great deal of critical thought before making up their own minds. Until there is a better system in place, however, people still have more information than ever before, which can only be a good thing.