3/1/2013
One in four parents (25%) consider doctor rating websites “very important” in their search for a children’s physician, according to the University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health. Moms are more likely than dads to think these ratings are important (30% vs. 19%), as are parents under age 30 when compared to parents age 30 and older (44% vs. 21%).
Three in 10 parents (30%) who have gone online to view doctors’ ratings say they have selected a doctor for their children based on good ratings or reviews. The same percentage (30%) have avoided a doctor for their children after seeing a negative online review or rating.
Few parents (5%) have ever posted ratings or reviews of doctors. More than one in four parents (26%) are concerned that leaving a negative comment could result in the doctor taking action against them. However, among the parents who have posted reviews, 54% have given positive reviews, and 19% have given negative reviews. The remaining 27% posted neutral reviews.
More than nine in 10 parents (92%) rate “accepts my health insurance” as very important when selecting a doctor for their children. Other factors considered very important include convenient location (65%), medical experience (52%), and favorable word-of-mouth (50%).
Source: University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital, Matthew Davis Director, 1051 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton, MI 48187; 734-844-5400; dav@med.umich.edu; www.med.umich.edu/mott/npch.
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