Weighing Doctor Ratings

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.