Data for Doctors

[BigGene]

I noticed on another thread that a UK site was listed that provided statictical data on such things as the number of specific procedures performed. Although I have found numerous review sites in the US I have not found any that show data similar to that found on the "Dr Foster health & medical guides" in the UK.

Have I missed them or is this another of those "culture" differences between English speaking countries.

 

[Josephine]

That's a neat site. It rates not only hospital doctors but hospitals too and offers other information as well. Only problem - the hospitals are based upon ratings that are self assessed, therefore, one might suspect they could be just a little biased!

broken link removed: https://www.drfosterhealth.co.uk/

 

[Jamie]

Gene....I've not seen any US sites with comparison information like you are talking about either. Too bad.....it would be helpful. I'm always dismayed also to see that many of the US "information" sites require a subscription (payment) to access the information and then when you DO pay and check, the info is old, limited or many times something you could find on your own with some time.

 

[BigGene]

It's just too bad that there are not good ways to verify datra given in a private exchange in an office. Words are subject to interpretation and misunderstanding. Data written down and documented is generally more reliable because it cannot be withdrawn or denied as easily.

Ultimately, without published sourses of data, we are left relying on our "feelings" about a surgeon. I have nothing against "trust" but I long for the ability to "verify" as well.

There are of course many ways to choose and this site is replete with good advice about choosing a surgeon, but so much of it is based on opinion and individual experience and potentially self-serving statements that it make a careful analytical approach a challenge.

This would be ok, if necessary, but the fact that it seems to be available in the UK but not in the US implies that US doctors continue to protect their institutional need to resist the same scrutiny that others service providers must face.

Doctors, like the rest of us remain human, some are smarter, better, more skilled than others. Competence is a threshhold, a minimum standard.

In school we measure students with grades. 90% is an A. But I need my accountant to get my taxes 100% correct. I'd like my doctor to be perfect as well. At least when he is working on me.

 

[Josephine]

Wouldn't we all! But you missed out one salient point of difference - that site draws from the stats put out by hospitals and primary care trusts which are state run organisations. And our surgeons, doctors and GPs are employees of those organisations.

A lot of the litigation that might arise is taken against the hospital rather than the employee so the doctors don't work with that 'CYA' motivation (cover your 'ahem'). It makes for a whole different attitude to information sharing.

 

[Jamie]

Excellent points, Jo!!! Over the years I've had a number of discussions with some of my doctors about the risk of lawsuits and who has "control" over them and their practice. Unfortunately there are a ton of things an American physician must stay on top of (and pay for) in order to run his practice or practice medicine in a clinic. It's never just a matter of how good you are with your patients....it's definitely a business with all the problems and risks of any corporate entity.

 

[skigirl]

Gene, most practices have websites. When i look on the website for my OS, there is info on his schools, etc. Also a statement that he replaces about 300 knees a year. That was plenty good enough for me. Also, it states that he does MIS surgery, which was improtant to me.

I would start with the doc's office. Once you have his info, you can check with the AMA about his certifications. I depend heavily on the info from nurses about docs. But, I live in a small town and not much is private around here!

I know that I did see a rating site once--but I cannot remember where. Have you googles top ten doctors for knee replacement? Kelly

 

[BigGene]

Kelly,
Thanks. Yes I have reviewed the websites and do get info there on sub-specialties and Board certification, med schools, residency location and fellowships. This is all very useful and helpful info. The hospitals also provide info at their sites related to "joint-camp" and special units and operating theaters. Some even report the number of knees done each year at the hospital.

This is all great although self-reported, I rely on it more since once published it is more difficult to deny.

I have looked at some of the sites that review doctors and they do not seem to provide more than that which is already on the doctor web site.

Word of mouth is all that is left and does have value. I was surprized to see that more is provided in the UK.

I will try a Top Ten search as well.