Online physician reviews: Patients are the ones who will suffer

The rise of the Internet has changed many things in the world of the customer.  Now, in the age of the online consumer, a person can search for not only the exact item or service he or she wants, but read hundreds of reviews on that particular item or service.  Thanks to Yelp and a host of other online rating sites, a person can find a reputable painter or contractor or babysitter with the click of a button. While the ability to rank and review online professionals has empowered consumers and been mostly positive, this is not the case for all professions.  Specifically, it is detrimental to physicians.   Why?  After all, there are good and bad physicians just like good and bad contractors.  If a person believes their doctor does a bad job, he should be able to warn others, right?   Not exactly. Physicians are not like other professionals.   They do not have customers or consumers.  They have patients.  While online reviews from customers are a good idea, online reviews from patients do not make sense. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Physician Hospital-Based Medicine Infectious Disease Primary Care Source Type: blogs