More than 40% of older adults search physician reviews online

New data from the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging finds that more than 40% of older adults have sought out online physician ratings. Here’s more: 

• Use of online ratings: 43% said they had ever searched doctor ratings. About a third read reviews while finding a new physician. 
• Influencing factors: 71% of respondents said they would select a doctor with mostly positive reviews, even if there was some negative feedback. The vast majority of those who had consulted online ratings more than once in the previous year said their experience matched the reviews they found. 
• Rating physicians: Despite frequently consulting others’ ratings, only 7% of respondents had ever posted a physician review online. Over half of those who did leave a review posted positive feedback, while a third left negative reviews.