subject: Using Medical Ratings To Choose A Doctor [print this page] Rather than focusing on medical ratings and comments made by disgruntled clients who may be ranting about something as minimal as wait time, focus on actual credentials. First look for the medical school from which the doctor graduated; you can further your knowledge by checking into the credentials of that school. You may feel more comfortable being familiar with the school; you may feel uncomfortable if you cannot find any information on the school or if information is minimal. An unknown or poorly rated school does not mean that you are dealing with an under qualified physician-what you do with the rating you find is your personal choice.
Certainly you will want to verify licensure and review the professional's board certification. A lapse in either of the categories is cause for further investigation. Become familiar with what it means to be board certified and determine if this is important to you in making your decision.
If your search is successful thus far, look into any legal actions that have been taken against the doctor in question. For the purpose of medical ratings only medical related cases will be shown, and legal actions can pertain to a realm of possibilities including insurance fraud, malpractice judgments, disciplinary actions, and suspensions. It is important to note that a malpractice case is not the same as a judgment. Innocent until proven guilty is also the law in medicine, and while several accusations should not be dismissed a sporadic legal case or two is normal for those in the profession.
Lastly, personal ratings can be found on most any doctor. Categories may include staff and hospital critiques, facility reviews, appointment availability, professionalism, and over all experience. Every situation is relative, but there is merit in the revelation that an alarming number of clients have similar issues.
While the only real way to tell if a doctor is right for you is to have a pre-consultation and perhaps a few appointments and it is always permissible to ask for a second opinion or even for a new provider all together, medical ratings can be a good tool in helping you choose a medical professional
