Rating System for Surgeons

[Physiobase]

Hi all

We here at the Physiobase ideas couch are thinking of introducing a surgeon rating system with comments into the forum. What we would do is start a section called Rate an Orthopaedic Surgeon. In there people can rate the surgeons and also make comments.

We are planning to have sections by body part, e.g. Hip, Knee, Lumbar Spine etc. The idea is that over time we might build a useful list of ratings on surgeons from a PT perspective. e.g. Right now I have someone needing a new knee and I am not sure who is great with knee replacements in the London area or for that matter what are the best types of knees out there right now, and who is using them! What do you all think?

Rate a surgeon? sounds like an interesting waltz into a legal arena, I would tread/waltz carefully.
Jerry hesch, MHS, PT

[Physiobase]

Perhaps more of a "Customer Comments Section" - less formal, much like someone would put in their brochure as client feedback?

[alophysio]

Perhaps "positive" comments only?

In Sydney where I am, I think Jerome Goldberg is a sensational shoulder surgeon. There are many who use more "cutting edge" technology and protocols but I believe the man is an artist. I have not seen any failures. He is conservative but it pays off. I had so many patients who do really well with him. In fact, I only have to see these people less than 10 times post op over 6 months and they are nearly back to normal ROM for a shoulder reconstruction. Amazing.

There are plenty others in other areas but his results stand out in my memory...

[Physiobase]

That does make more sense. Positive comments about successful surgeries shouldn't get anyone in hot water. I suppose a comment along the way form someone in the legal field would assist. As a private practitioner we are always happy to recommend. But I remember in the public system that this was not permitted and we were told to suggest people look in the yellow pages......not sure why? Afterall yellow pages weren't giving the association a kick back, were they? sarcasim of course

[alophysio]

I find the yellow pages the best way to do my research on who to send my patients to...

1. The bigger the ads are, the more money they have to spend on advertising - something a good surgeon shouldn't have to do!
2. Name, speciality, phone number in simple or small bold letters - make it easier to find the surgeons that my patients/GPs recommend.

[The above is in jest if the humour isn't obvious...]

I do tend to be cautious with my recommendations. I always suggest 2 or 3 in the "body part area" then ask the patient to ask their GP who they should go to see out of those i suggested. If I know their GP will send them somewhere I don't like, I do tend to be a bit more firmer with my recommendations...

[Fiona Schreuder]

I agree with the comments regarding the legal implications of rating surgeons. This would allow anybody to put their personal opinions regarding a surgeon into the public domain. Without wanting to sound melodramatic someone's career could be destroyed by another person who may not have enough expertise to make a justified judgement about a surgeon's capabilities. How would you feel if surgeons wanted to create a public domain where they could rate our performance as physiotherapists?

[alophysio]

Yes - we agree. That is why positive comments would be welcomed.

Sometimes people blame surgeons for what goes wrong but really, they have a human being to work with, not a perfectly consistent piece of manufactured material.

I think it is ok to give a surgeon a pat on the back on a forum. Just don't trash talking them!