Healthcare is pushing transparency, resulting in more physician ratings and ultimately driving patients to certain providers, according to MedCity News.
A Health Datapalooza panel delved into how physician ratings may cause patients to mistrust their physicians and hospitals.
Here are four thoughts:
1. Mark Friedberg, MD, an internist, said if mistrust is warranted, it may necessary. If reports are available, this may push providers to achieve better outcomes.
2. However, Dr. Friedberg expressed concern over how the industry presented data to consumers. He questioned whether the reports created concern and whether that concern was truly necessary.
3. Marshall Allen, a member of the team that created the Surgeon Scorecard report, said trust should be based on reality.
4. Mr. Allen also said if the healthcare industry gives patients a false depiction of a procedure's risk level, they may make uniformed choices. Therefore, the more available information, the better.
More healthcare news:
Researchers find a technique to subdue Zika's impact on developing brains: 5 insights
Health organizations rank patient ID errors as No. 2 issue — 5 takeaways
The Joint Commission changes stance, allows providers to text patient care orders: 6 highlights