According to an article in the Denver Post Zagat Survey, the online guide known for its ratings of restaurants, hotels and other attractions, intends to add doctors’ offices to its list. They partnered with WellPoint, the parent company of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, to allow consumers to rate physicians based on 4 criteria: trust, communication, availability and environment. Patients are also allowed to leave comments.

I could imagine that soon this feature will be available nationwide. What does that mean for you, the physician? Do you see this as additional pressure on you or do you welcome this opportunity as a tool to attract more patients to your practice?

After all, it seems to me that the physicians, who know how to communicate effectively, the physicians who value the patients’ time by being on schedule and the physicians who quickly build rapport and trust have the advantage to increase their patient referrals with this online feature. They will be the one who will attract more patients while minimizing marketing efforts.

Healthcare is consistently changing and improvements – not only on the clinical side but also with self-management and interpersonal skills – are a necessity. What are you doing to adapt to this changed environment? I am looking forward to reading your comments.

Iris Grimm
www.BalancedPhysician.com