Patients Allow to Vent Online - Good or Bad?
On the theHealthCareScoop.com patients are encouraged to post their reactions to their physicians, providers and clinics. But what if health plans (Minnesota Blues and WellPoint) encourage these type of comments? Some physicians cry foul. In an article in the AMA News, a balanced reports looks at the pros and cons including the promise that comments will not affect reimbursement rates. However, it could be that it would affect business volume. Reading some of the comments on the site, there is good and bad. Some having very ugly experiences which lawyers would love to get their hands on, and others which love their doctors or clinics and strongly recommend them to others.
Except for the liability issues, I think this is a good thing. One questions - are these types of sites more likely to attract complainers?
Technorati: health 2.0
Except for the liability issues, I think this is a good thing. One questions - are these types of sites more likely to attract complainers?
Technorati: health 2.0
Interesting question John, but I think you are right in saying you think it’s a good thing. Doctors have little to fear if they are doing a good job. I think the complainers will get washed out by those who satisfied.
The bottom line is that this immediate feedback/contact element is not going to go away any time soon. In fact this is just the dawn of a new era where so much more data will be available for consumers. Being able to make it in any business will demand much more transparency.
Alan
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This is truly the dawn of a new era where consumers will play a greater role in their health. Right now, its obvious that disgruntled patients will be more motivated to take part in these types of forums. However, as "rating your doctor" (a la Zagat guide) becomes more common, the "rating" will be a more accurate reflection of the doctor.
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