Giving Your MD a Checkup

Doctors. Now its time to really starting minding your bedside manners. Welcome to the controversial and popular world of online doctor ratings.

Dozens of Web sites, with such names as RateMDs, FindADoc and SuggestADoctor, allow users to comment on and rate a doctor's knowledge, punctuality and even his or her staff.

Site operators say they’re merely helping patients make the most important decision of their life. They say it's just like the old practice of asking a neighbor, friend or co-worker about a doctor, but with far greater reach.

They point out that some sites allow users to comment anonymously, while others require registration before posting. But just like any blog – it’s still difficult to verify the information especially since its mainly personal.

A growing number of physicians have even asked patients to sign privacy agreements that essentially forbid them from posting comments and ratings about the doctors online.

The number of sites that specialize in this type of forum are growing daily.
And although some Doctors aren’t fans of the postings, both users and MD’s agree that the online ratings are here to stay.

What it boils down to is this: Just because of your particular profession, it doesn't mean that you should be immune to blogger posts bad.. or good.

So the next time you’re looking for a family Dr. or a specialist, go online and check out who may be checking you out.