Are you currently looking for a doctor in Huntsville, AL? According to recent data, over seventy-one percent of those in search of a physician took their pursuit to online review sites. While an online presence is now critical for medical professionals, should you trust online reviews?

The Interwebs

The great thing about the internet is the access to information it gives us all. The downside is that it is full of armchair experts who often voice their complaints as loudly as possible.

The internet can be an incredible resource when you are looking for answers. Want to know if you can plant tomatoes in June? There’s a website for that. Can’t remember if you need to include garlic powder into your marinade? We guarantee there’s a recipe online with all the info you need. The same can be said for finding a doctor in Huntsville, AL. Countless websites offer patients the opportunity to rank and/or sound off on their personal experiences. These days everyone has an opinion, the question is whether or not these opinions should be taken into consideration when you are on the search for a physician.

Here’s a scenario for you: You need a new primary care physician immediately. You are new in town and need a physical, like yesterday. Like so many, you start your search online. You check out Healthgrades and input your data and needs. You find a doctor with a 3-star review just 2 miles from your home. Your preference is 5 stars but you do not have the time to keep digging. You have to take the first appointment you can get.

Based on reviews, you don’t expect much but determine you can always switch physicians once you settle in. Your expectations are low because of the low review. However, you have a great experience. This new physician listens patiently to your concerns. You breeze through check-in and feel like the office staff is really on top of things. Your commute was simple and the office easy to find. You cannot believe this doctor only has 3 stars. Your experience has been stellar.

According to a 2020 Patient Experience Survey from Software Advice, over seventy-percent of those surveyed begin their quest for a new physician online. Due to this fact alone, it is imperative that doctors have a reputable online presence because first impressions may be their only chance to acquire new patients. A mere seven years ago, only twenty-five percent of those surveyed looked to online reviews for assistance.

The Uncertainty of The Review

Clearly, online reviews are here to stay, but should they be the decisive factor for you?

One of the challenging aspects of online reviews, specifically those that employ a ranking system without context (think the star system) is that it is not easy to determine WHY. A medical practice or physician may have a few unfavorable reviews but without explanation, you cannot be sure of the reasons for the lower score. It may be that the patient was not content with the amount of time they had to wait to be seen. There might be an issue with communication, insurance, or uncomfortable chairs in the waiting room. There are times when people have a negative experience that has nothing to do with the physician.

Many physicians are wary of asking for online feedback because they fear the negative outcome. While this fear is valid, fortunately for physicians, reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Data from the Software Advice 2020 Patient Experience Survey suggests that over seventy-percent of reviews are positive and only one-percent are “very negative.” The statistics are even higher, ninety-percent, from a study published by Mayo Clinic.

Of course, negative reviews occur, and when they do, patients prefer physicians to acknowledge the response and respond. Less than stellar reviews can negatively impact the patient-doctor relationship. Negative online reviews can also have a detrimental effect on a doctor’s reputation and can soil their online presence. Physicians may lose the opportunity to increase their patient load as well. A positive review can make a potential out-of-network patient consider a medical practice. So, yes, reviews matter, but they must be taken in context and in conjunction with other data points.

Here’s what you need to know: research shows online physician reviews are not an accurate reflection of patient satisfaction. A study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings sought to compare physicians with negative online reviews to those without. Utilizing patient satisfaction scores, researchers found no difference in patient satisfaction between the groups.

Everyone wants assurance that the physician they choose is the absolute best for them. This your health after all. Finding a doctor is incredibly important and online reviews can be a part of the decision-making process, we suggest you go beyond online reviews to get a bigger picture of the physician you are considering. The best way to do this is to ask around. Begin with those closest to you. Ask friends and family you trust for their honest opinions. From there, you can begin to narrow down your search. Here are several questions to keep in mind:

Is the physician in-network?

Am I willing to pay more for a doctor who is not covered by my insurance company?

What is the hospital affiliation?

Will the location be an issue?

Will I be able to get an appointment quickly and with ease?

Can I make it to appointments during the workday?

How does this practice use technology?

What happens when my physician is out of town? Who covers for her?

Does this doctor allow drug reps?

Will I comply with office policies?

Is the physician board certified?

Am I comfortable with the office staff?

If you still cannot decide, you can always make an exploratory appointment and meet your potential medical provider face to face. Keep in mind you may have to pay a copay for the visit.

Innova Primary Care knows that finding a doctor you trust can be challenging. We also know that it is one of the most vital decisions you will make for your health and well-being. Wherever you ultimately land, we hope that you feel like your health is a priority to everyone you come in contact with.