According to a study released in 2012, 1 in 4 consumers check online doctor ratings when selecting a new primary care physician.  Ratings for doctors are available on both general sites, like Yelp and Angie’s List, as well as sites dedicated to medical ratings, like Healthgrades and Vitals.  In addition to grading the doctor, ratings sites can also include details like office hours and the types of insurance that are accepted.

While many consumers are aware that ratings for everything from toaster ovens to plumbers are available online, many fewer know that there are online ratings available for physicians.  Only 65% of respondents knew that doctors ratings could be found online.  Many more people research their car (87%), or electrician (71%) online than the doctor with whom they will be treating.  

Of course, like all online ratings, online doctor ratings should be treated with a grain of salt, knowing that they can be artificially inflated by the doctor, or deflated by competition.  While not the only source of information, online ratings should be one part of the equation when choosing a doctor.

Read this USA Today article for more information.