Online Doctor Ratings

I saw a recent news story regarding several websites that allow users to rate and comment on doctors. Some of these sites are:

• DrScore.com
• RateMDs.com
• Vitals.com
• DoctorRate.com
• DoctorScorecard.com
• PhysicianReports.com

I can see many positives and negatives about these types of sites and why there is some controversy around them. The fact that you can anonymously leave comments about doctors leads to questions about the validity of these comments. I would expect that any user who lost a loved one would leave a negative comment about a Doctor while a user who had their health issue resolved to leave a good comment. Of course, with the anonymous nature of the internet I think you’d see much more negative feedback overall.

On the positive side, these sites could be great tools empowering patients to research and find doctors. As with most user generated information/feedback on the internet though, patients should take it all with a grain of salt.

I did find one site that allows users to rate hospitals, doctors and healthcare workers. It is:

• HealthcareReviews.com

I doubt there will ever be a nurse or travel nurse rating website, but what’s your take on these types of sites? Do you use any of these sites when looking for healthcare options? Do you use these sites when considering a travel nursing job opportunity?