Should You Write Doctor Reviews?

In today's world, savvy consumers often use their buying power more wisely and less impulsively than before. Part of that comes from being more careful and doing research such as reading consumer reviews before spending money. Whereas this was once limited to what computer laptop to buy or where to eat out, today this new consumerism has spread to writing doctor reviews, deeming the quality of those healthcare providers everywhere. Such sites that host doctor reviews are consumer-based, and allow patients to post their reviews of their doctors online for other patients and consumers to read. 

Some patient advocate groups strongly support rating physicians as a way for patients to have a stronger voice in their own quality of healthcare. Some doctors support this new consumerism and welcome the feedback that this site can give to them about how their patients perceive them and the quality of care they provide.

Those who oppose the ratings system for doctors often argue that patients have the advantage over doctors in this forum. Doctors can not, because of privacy laws, respond back to a patient's post regarding their services. Patients, however, are free to openly post their opinion about their doctor without any such restrictions in place.

Are we creating an unbalanced system where only one voice can be heard or are we creating a system where the voice of the patient, often not heard, can finally find a forum to be heard? Many patients, doctors, and advocates remain on the fence about online doctor reviews as sites continue to expand and grow into new cities and states.

The question centered on the debate is, what are patients really looking for when they read reviews? Are patients looking for perfect doctors who never make a mistake? Probably not. Most patients are looking for a doctor that can demonstrate compassion and give patients a chance to interact and ask questions. Patients are not looking for perfection in their doctors. What patients want presented by their doctors is a thorough understanding of their illnesses, treatment options and diagnoses given in a form that can be easily understood, not some babble that requires a degree to interpret.

Many patients were raised in the era where patients were not a part of the treatment process. Patients were not encouraged to question their physicians, and were definitely not allowed to challenging opinions or treatment options. Today patients as a whole are more assertive and more educated about how to research their own illnesses and treatment plans, and they seek professionals who treat them as if they were part of the process and not outsiders to their own care.

This type of rating does just that, giving a powerful voice to patients to get the kind of care they need and want for themselves. It allows patients to post reviews and give feedback in a public forum and it attempts to bring patients and doctors into the same arena.