Researchers identified 28 physician rating websites and then searched each website for reviews of a random pool of 600 physicians in Boston, Dallas and Portland, Ore.
Here are six findings from their research:
- Most sites (26) included an overall star rating. The other two sites only collected narratives and did not provide an overall rating.
- Just five sites allowed users to search for a physician by clinical condition.
- Only four sites allowed for search by physician sex.
- Fifteen sites allowed for search by hospital affiliation.
- Only three allowed for search by languages spoken.
- Nine websites allowed for search by insurance accepted.
“These results demonstrate that it is difficult for a prospective patient to find (for any given physician on any commercial physician-finding website) a quantity of reviews that would accurately relay the experience of care with that physician,” the study authors wrote.
“Methods that use systematic data collection (eg, surveys) may have a greater chance of amassing a sufficient quantity and quality of reviews to allow patients to make inferences about patient experience of care,” the authors concluded.
More articles on physician ratings:
UAB Health System unveils physician ratings
Swedish Covenant Hospital posts patient reviews online
Healthgrades unveils redesigned consumer website
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
