Weighing Doctor Ratings
Some restraint should be shown in how much credence is given to doctor ratings and reviews. Read on to learn more.
When trying to find a physician, how much should doctor ratings play into the equation?
Knowing information about a physician is never a bad thing, but
potential patients need to be careful not to put too much stock in the
review of an anonymous person or two on a doctor ratings website.
Getting a sense of patients' feelings about a doctor is important, but
should only play a partial role in your overall decision to visit or not
visit a certain physician.
Gone for most people are the days of opening the insurance company's
brochure of doctors in its network and simply choosing one of the
doctors listed. With so much information available on doctors and their
practices, most people are going to spend at least a little time
researching physicians to see who is a better fit with them.
While it may be easier to stay with a physician even though you might
not be totally thrilled with them, there are benefits to finding a
physician who is a better fit with your lifestyle and needs. There is
the option of asking family, friends and co-workers for recommendations
as a way to find a physician with whom you are comfortable. Sometimes
posting on a site that deals with the condition you are seeking a
physician for (arthritis, pregnancy, etc.) can lead to several
recommendations. Most comments on these sites are from people looking to
help, not physicians' staffers trying to drum up business.
Know when scanning review sites on doctors that most people in your area
are going to try to get appointments with the top-ranked physician or
two. It's no great thing to get with a top physician, but rarely be able
to get into to see him or her when you need. Finding a less-established
physician with nearly identical doctor ratings will likely work out
much better for you. He or she likely has more flexibility in scheduling
and does not have as many patients all clamoring for key appointment
times.
When you do land an appointment with a physician, do not be locked into
him or her with no recourse. If your first office visit does not go
well, you can always try another physician. If the physician rushes
through your appointment or brushes off some of your questions or gives
you the impression that you are annoying him, move on. There are plenty
of doctors out there who will take the time to answer all of your
questions and concerns.
When reviewing patient comments, be weary of doctors who seem to
prescribe medicine at the drop of a hat. Medication should be the last
resort in treatment, not the first. If you see a trend with comments of
unneeded prescriptions, this is likely a physician to avoid. He or she
may have a connection with a drug company or its rep and is all too
willing to prescribe drug company X's medication for you.
As long as doctor ratings are not your only source of information – or
if you at least consult several rating services about the same physician
– the review sites can serve a definite purpose.
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