A new survey involving 2,100 Americans has shown that more patients are now using online ratings as a method of screening their potential doctors. The study shows that patients are now choosing their doctors in a similar manner to the way they choose consumer products.

In recent years, sites like RateMDs.com are becoming increasingly popular. Unlike other online rating sites that focus on cars, appliances and other consumer products, these specific sites were designed to help people find reviews and ratings about doctors around the country. With doctor rating sites, potential patients will be able to view both ratings and reviews from other patients regarding specific doctors.

The survey indicates that around two thirds of the 2,100 respondents have prior knowledge about doctor rating sites. Moreover, a fourth of the respondents have used some of these doctor-rating sites within the last 12 months. Pediatrician Dr. David Hanauer, who is also an associate professor at the University of Michigan, spearheaded the study. The researchers published their findings in The Journal of the American Medical Association.

This isn't the first time a study like this has been conducted. Unlike previous studies however, the recent survey shows an upward trend in terms of the number of people who are using this type of site to determine which doctors they choose to consult with. 

"Patients are increasingly turning to online physician ratings, just as they have sought ratings for other products and services," said Hanauer and his colleagues. "Little is known about the public's awareness and use of online physician ratings, and whether these sites influence decisions about selecting a physician." 

Among the respondents who have used doctor-rating sites in the past, 37 percent said that they avoided certain doctors due to negative online ratings. On the other hand, 35 percent chose their doctors after considering positive ratings they found online. However, the researchers who authored the study are concerned regarding the veracity of these online ratings.

A few years ago, doctor-rating sites only listed a handful of doctors. However, the number of doctors who are listed in these rating sites has been growing over the years. 

"Prior work has shown that few physicians are reviewed on rating site," said Dr. Hanauer and his co-authors. "However, an analysis of one rating site demonstrated that between 2005 and 2010 there was an increase in the number of physicians rated and the number of ratings per physician."

As online doctor-rating sites are becoming increasingly popular, it is likely that the number of users as well as the number of doctors listed on these sites will continue to grow.