Anonymous Internet Sites and Physician Credentialing

There is a worthwhile discussion happening over at Notes from Dr. RW.  He references a post I wrote back in January about the RateMDs web site. 

Dr. Donnell is, understandably, concered about the validity of anonymous comments posted about physicians on sites like this one, and whether those comments could be included in a review of medical staff credentials.

Read his post.  (Thanks to Kathy Matzka for sending me the link.)

Here is the response I left on his site: 

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Dr. Donnell,

I agree with much of what you say about sites like RateMDs. The potential for abuse and unfair attack is considerable.

A colleague of mine found a rather offensive comment about a physician that she knew. It appeared to her that a fellow physician who was angry about perceived mistreatment was the one who had submitted it. She contacted RateMDs and asked for a review and the comment was removed within 24 hours.

As you noted, I made the statement that a check of sites like these will no doubt begin to be part of a routine credentialing process, and I believe that is happening. That does not mean that every word is being taken at face value.

Credentialers request numerous references, and often perform a general internet search on a physician's name to see what appears. They, and the medical staff leadership that review credentials applications "consider the source" of all those items.

I advise everyone to perform the occasional internet search on their names - it can be surprising what pops up.

Rita Schwab, CPCS, CPMSM
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Other thoughts?

Comments

[drcharles]

thank you for your comment in our defense. it seems that only disgruntled patients would be motivated to comment on such a site, as the 99% pleased, satisfied, or slightly annoyed wouldn't bother. the ditribution of easily disgruntled patients is far from uniform, just like the distribution of challenging medical cases concentrates harder problems in tertiary institutions. this site would be worthless to me as a patient. thanks for your comment on my blog, i really appreciate you.

[Rita Schwab]

Thanks for your comment Dr. Charles. As you noted, people who have a complaint may be more likely to use sites like these, but not always.

When I told a few friends about the RateMDs site, at least two of them immediately went out and added their favorite physicians so they could rate them as excellent and add positive comments to their profiles.

Sometimes we actually like you guys... : )

[Jack Thompsy]

I don't like RateMD's site.

You should check out Lotus Insurance

[Florida Vacation]

Just wanted to take time to thank you for this nice site. I found it by accident but I will return for sure. Lots of helpful information that I found very interesting. Thanks again.