Online Patient Ratings: Why They Matter and What They Mean.

The increasing focus on patient satisfaction and consumer-driven health care, combined with the recent rise in online social media, have resulted in the growing trend of patients rating physicians on publicly accessible Web sites. The number and use of such Web sites continue to grow despite potential concerns about the validity of these ratings and negative physician perception. These Web sites can influence patient decision making regarding physician selection. In this article, we review the literature regarding the use of such Web sites by patients, the validity of these ratings, potential implications for hand surgical practice, and methods to minimize or challenge inaccurate reviews.