You can rate doctors online – patients speak out

Most people are going to want to say something good, as the old saying goes that many of us were brought up with “if you can’t say anything good, then don’t say anything at all”. However, there are exceptions when it comes to rating physicians online. This is yet another move towards transparency in health care. One word of advice for physicians, “Google” yourself every now and then and check up on what’s being said, not only just on rating sites, but you could find information you didn’t know existed, like on a blog as a simple example.

There have been rare cases though where a physician had his license revoked, due to Internet reactions and comments, so just be aware. Sometimes we just need a place to “rant” and the Internet is certainly that by all means. BD

This is a scary concept," Estella said, eyeing the "lovely little smiley faces" that signified a positive comment and frowning icons pinpointing a critical one. The Lowell ob/gyn wasn't familiar with the growing phenomenon of consumer websites that allow patients to opine about their doctors just as they would a new coffeemaker. "She is the most compationate (sic) doctor I have ever had," raved one patient on the site, called RateMDs.com. "She has no bedside manner what-so-ever," carped another.