Patients' online reviews have docs very concerned

Article

Physicians aren't safe from patient scrutiny—especially on the Internet. Increasingly, patients are posting reviews of their physicians online.

Physicians aren't safe from patient scrutiny-especially on the Internet. Increasingly, patients are posting reviews of their physicians online. The practice was examined by The Wall Street Journal recently and has raised concerns among medical providers, according to a synopsis of the article in the electronic newsletter American Health Line (9/14/05). Several Web sites-including http://www.nddb.net/ and http://www.ratemds.com/ -allow patients to post or read reviews of physicians, and some patients have launched sites criticizing specific doctors.

The online reviews have prompted some physicians to file lawsuits against patients and Web site operators. While physicians want to protect their reputations, patients claim that they have a First Amendment right to describe their experiences with their physicians.

Newsletter

Get the latest clinical updates, case studies, and expert commentary in obstetric and gynecologic care. Sign up now to stay informed.

Recent Videos
Thomas McElrath, MD, PhD, highlights limitations of current preeclampsia guidelines | Image Credit: physiciandirectory.brighamandwomens.org.
Jane Varney, MD, discusses how a low FODMAP diet mediates gut symptoms caused by endometriosis | Image Credit: lens.monash.edu.
Ousseny Zerbo, PhD, highlights benefits of influenza vaccination during pregnancy | Image Credit: divisionofresearch.kaiserpermanente.org.
Michael Ussher, PhD, highlights the benefits of vaping over smoking in pregnancy | Image Credit: sgul.ac.uk.
Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, highlights AMA's new breast cancer prevention guidelines | Image Credit: pcrm.org.
Related Content
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.