How to Find the Right Provider for Your Child’s Diagnosis: Seek Smart Opinions

This is part two of a four-part series about finding the right specialty doctor for your child’s diagnosis, with guidance from members of the Shriners Children’s healthcare system. Read part one.

Read Reviews Right

Of course, anyone looking to make a decision these days – whether where to go for dinner or where to get surgery – turns to online reviews for guidance. And it’s a good idea for matters big and small because consumers and patients of all kinds can provide their honest opinions and experiences without fear of censorship.

However, it’s always smart to remember that people who have had negative experiences are more likely to post reviews and are usually the most vocal, so try to take negative reviews with a grain of salt.

Connie Wilson, RN, MSN, CNOR, CSPDT, director of patient care services and nurse executive at Shriners Children’s Lexington, said that not all review sites are created equal. She recommended Healthgrades, Vitals, Google Reviews, Yelp, social media groups and forums and patient advocacy groups, giving extra weight to other families with similar situations to yours. “Using a combination of these resources can give you a well-rounded view of the experiences of other families and help you make an informed decision about your child’s care,” she said.

However, she suggested steering clear of unverified websites, anonymous forums, paid review sites and outdated or unsupported reviews if you want the most accurate information.

No matter which online sources you read, use certain strategies to get the most out of the information, Wilson said. First, look for patterns. “Assess reviews for common themes or repeated issues,” she said. “A few negative reviews among many positive ones might indicate an isolated problem rather than a systemic issue.”