Doctor-rating websites base their reports on only a few patient reviews

Websites that rate US doctors’ performance and service are increasingly popular with consumers, but a study from Loyola University, Illinois, of urologists found that, on average, ratings are based on reports from just 2.4 patients.1

Two thirds of US consumers who have internet access look up health information online. Half of them look up their healthcare providers and 40% also use doctor-rating sites.

The websites typically ask patients to rate a doctor on points such as ease of making an …