A family member was hospitalized. In the presence of several visitors, a consultant entered the room without a knock or introduction and aired his irritation that the patient’s room change was inconvenient. His exact statement was incredibly shocking. He then wanted to perform an exam that would have let the patient’s family see him exposed. The family members had to make the doctor wait until they left the room. When the hospital disavowed an employment releationship, I posted our experience on less than 5 rate-your-doctor sites. I related my family’s experience with no stated conclusions or hyperbole – merely a recitation of that once instance. Then I wrote to state and county agencies and peer review groups. I’m being sued for defamation. The doctor feels that his assertion that the posting is false justifies call it defamation. Our state allows hip pocket lawsuits. His lawyer serves me, I answer the complaint, provide discovery, answer interrogatories – all before he has to record it in court, if he does.

I personally think a physicians/surgeons experience, specialized training, and other credential data should be focused on. The only establishments that I know who offer doctor ratings based on factual data are Blue Cross/Blue Shield and mdnationwide.org.

Robert

1. I would never choose a physician based on a site that allows patients to spew libel with impunity. There are a lot of people out there like me.

2. The moment a physician pulls out a contract that literally bullies me into keeping my mouth shut for a period of time, I thank him, say no and find someone else.

Someone mentioned a plumber. It is the plumber who signs the agreement to offer good service, not I. True, a physician can’t, and shouldn’t be compared to a plumber unless it’s to say that both provide a service to a customer.

3. Carol mentioned medical boards and voodoo dolls in the same sentence. Some patients see the medical boards doing as much for them as voodoo dolls.

Finally, as one who is happy with her physicians, I thank all of you for all the years of sacrifice it took so that you could help people like me.

A family member was hospitalized. In the presence of several visitors, a consultant entered the room without a knock or introduction and aired his irritation that the patient’s room change was inconvenient. His exact statement was incredibly shocking. He then wanted to perform an exam that would have let the patient’s family see him exposed. The family members had to make the doctor wait until they left the room. When the hospital disavowed an employment releationship, I posted our experience on less than 5 rate-your-doctor sites. I related my family’s experience with no stated conclusions or hyperbole – merely a recitation of that once instance. Then I wrote to state and county agencies and peer review groups. I’m being sued for defamation. The doctor feels that his assertion that the posting is false justifies call it defamation. Our state allows hip pocket lawsuits. His lawyer serves me, I answer the complaint, provide discovery, answer interrogatories – all before he has to record it in court, if he does.