How Much Weight Should Otolaryngologists Give Physician Rankings?

Nevertheless, despite every caution, the old adage holds true: You can’t please all of the people all of the time. But in the world of online reviewing, this is actually a good thing, said Dr. Segal. “We did a study that concluded that if a doctor received 100 percent positive reviews, the public perceived it as solely marketing material. People understand that these reviews are subjective and that everyone is different.”

Ultimately, said Dr. Batra, it’s up to doctors to communicate to potential patients that reviews, both peer-and patient-driven, should be only one of several factors taken into consideration when selecting a physician: “Rankings or reviews shouldn’t be used in lieu of collective expertise or a physician’s qualifications. They should be used to support the decision-making process.”