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As doctor recommendations and reviews are submitted to CareSeek, I try to read as many as possible. Not only do I learn about the wonderful physicians across our country, I learn about their patients and staff as well. Much is transferred in the report of one person about another, especially when the person being reviewed is the health authority that can make or break your life with the news and treatment of your condition.

The reviews come mostly from patients, and even if a CareSeek member has registered as a nurse or provider, the review generally is of that member’s personal doctor. Because CareSeek emphasizes recommendations, not rants and raves, 93% of the input is for excellent providers. Occasionally we receive a report that reflects intense bitterness or anger at a doctor’s performance, and for those reviewers I feel a sadness that comes from knowing how desperately ill they must be.  The frustrated, sick, maimed and uncured are the ones that write with negativity, and only the most articulate “terrible doctor”  reviews can get beyond the anger to deliver valuable insights into a doctor’s BAD care.

Some reviews are very short, and offer too little substance to be of much value. “Great doctor” is one of those; I want to know WHY the reviewer thinks his doctor is GREAT. And if this doctor really has provided superior care, why hasn’t this patient returned the favor with a more thoughtful recommendation? My impression is this person has other priorities than to take the time to offer deeper insights, and therefore the recommendation has limited influence on my decision.

Today I read a recommendation that revealed so much gratitude and appreciation of the doctor, that I would seek this provider without question. The patient wrote: “This doctor treats the whole patient, as a person. He is always, ALWAYS available to patients. He has a modern approach - he is gentle, direct, and listens first to establish the needs and style of the patient and then adapts himself to match. He is HONEST and he is incredibly intelligent and intuitive. He has performed 2 surgeries on me and we are raring for a third after my heart has thrown us for yet another curveball. I feel entirely taken care of by this physician.”  The reviewer goes on to include insights into her own medical conditions, which further convinces me that this patient knows what she is talking about.

A well-written and thoughtful recommendation is a gift to both the doctor and the prospective patient.  For the care seeker, these reports offer consolation that he or she is in good hands…that the doctor is going to provide compassion and quality care. There is comfort in hearing from those who have gone before, which helps to relieve the angst of facing frightening health challenges. For the doctor, these recommendations are an expression of thanks and appreciation. Often, these are feelings patients have not had time or nerve to express to their care providers, and when written in a recommendation, they remind doctors that their devotion to patient care has been valued and appreciated.

Tell us by taking this poll if you’ve had a special doctor, and if you have, please go to CareSeek and recommend this provider to others.