Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati launches online doctor rating system

The Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati has announced plans to use an online physician rating system where providers can be rated based on patient experience (Source: “Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati uses online doc rating system,” Healthcare IT News, Aug. 15, 2008).

The academy, which is the largest county medical society in Ohio, has contracted with Cincinnati-based YourCity.MD to provide the service. Academy leadership said one reason the company was chosen was that it provides independent ratings and is not tied to the insurance industry. The system also encourages physician feedback as a way to balance the patient ratings.

“There is a growing movement for patients to rate doctors and give feedback on the Internet. We felt that we needed a partner that allowed our physicians to review and respond to negative feedback and resolve any issues at an early stage, which has shown to reduce malpractice risk," said Bruce Haskin, executive director of the Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati.