[Thanos]

My old family doctor, who I'd been seeing for almost 30 years, had to retire suddenly last winter due to a sudden and severe illness. I was lucky enough to find a doctor in my part of town who was taking patients. As a new patient for an unfamiliar doctor I am somewhat apprehensive about dealing with a new physician. I've been using this site recently to review the new doctor's rating as judged by patients that have seen him:

http://www.ratemds.com/social/?q=node/8521

I am a bit concerned because my new guy started out fairly good but has now slipped to a 3.9 rating out of 5.0 due to a series of negative reviews.

My general question to you all would be: should this rating site be trusted? Should I go by what it says and change doctors, or should I disregard it as just another internet slander site?

Your collective input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Regina]

I think it's a good reference point and wouldn't worry too much about the score since some of the grade is "staff" which isn't related to direct patient treatment. I've looked up a few that I know and for the most part the comments made me laugh because they are pretty close to who they are. Years ago I worked with a girl who went back to school for medicine and her review was quite good and the comments fit her work ethic to a tee. 25 years ago she was very caring and a real keener for knowledge which showed in her rating. I think all you can do is look for a pattern in the comments and hold your doctor accountable.

[newfette]

I chose my new doctor using that site as a reference and it was pretty accurate for who i ended up choosing. keep in mind that much like any other profession you will find disgruntaled patients. every person and situation is different but ultimatlly all that matters is how you feel with your doctor and if you trust them.

[poquas]

Interesting site.

I found a few of the people I know and overall would probably agree with the average rating. I did notice one thing though that's a little disturbing. People with obvious mental "issues" are pretty obvious to me. I don't think most of those that I saw were balanced or even very rational. Those distort some of the ratings. The other thing which I suppose is related are the reviews for Psychiatrists or Psychologists appeared to attract some pretty negative (and strange) reviews. I passed this onto some of my peers. Some of them are going to be really disappointed!

No, I'm not listed!

[raydan]

poquas wrote:

No, I'm not listed!

That bad...

[poquas]

Not from what I saw!

[raydan]

I'm starting to believe that you're my "straight man" Poquas.

[poquas]

Not unless you pay me more.........

[raydan]

I'll give you half of what I'm getting.

[TattoodGirl]

My doc rocks!!! He even makes housecalls and supports my choice in natural medicine...I am really happy having him as a doc!!

[Hyack]

I checked out 3 GPs and a neurologist I've had dealings with, and the majority of the comments were right on the money, both the good and the bad....

[martin14]

dont have a family doctor, never did, never will.

[newfette]

TattoodGirl wrote:

My doc rocks!!! He even makes housecalls and supports my choice in natural medicine...I am really happy having him as a doc!!

psstttt... Dr. Johnny Fever isn't a real doctor...

[ShepherdsDog]

Booger!!

Not impressed with one of my doctors right now.

[Strutz]

Thanks for posting that site Thanos. I actually had not heard of it before. I looked up my doctor and he has a very good rating and most of the comments are quite accurate.