Can online commentary provide constructive feedback to physicians?
There are now over 40 physician rating sites. Most allow anonymous posts and are focused on a one-way dialogue between the poster and the public. The physician is not brought into the conversation. Nor can he comment because of existing healthcare privacy laws. Most of the time the doctor is not aware of the criticism or, if he is, who the patient even is. If the intent is constructive criticism, posting anonymously on the web (on sites a doctor does not regularly monitor) is probably the least effective way to accomplish that goal. (4) Aren’t these Agreements just a way for physicians to protect themselves? No. patients are free to post online. The Agreements merely provide a way for doctors to address fictional or slanderous posts. Given that patients have multiple venues to vent and demand accountability, we believe when viewed in light of the totality of the circumstances, this is not unfair. (5) Most people agree that the most important measurement should be quality of care. But c
Can online commentary provide constructive feedback to physicians?