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Assessing the Benefits and Downsides of Physician Review Websites to Plastic Surgeons: A Cost-Benefit Analysis.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Yi, VN; Tian, WM; Klifto, K; Atia, T; Sergesketter, AR; Erdmann, D
Published in: Ann Plast Surg
May 1, 2024

BACKGROUND: Patients often evaluate the reputations of plastic surgeons based on their performances on physician review websites. This article aims to compare rating methodologies and conduct a cost-benefit analysis of physician review websites to further understand how plastic surgeons and their patients can utilize review websites to inform their practice and care. METHODS: A review of online literature, blogs, and 17 of the most common physician review websites was conducted to identify information on review website methodology, cost, and benefits most pertinent to plastic surgeons and their patients. RESULTS: Physician review websites utilize various combinations of physician-related and unrelated criteria to evaluate plastic surgeons. Across 17 reviewed platforms, most (71%) utilize star ratings to rate physicians, 18% require an appointment to conduct a review, and 35% feature search engine optimization. Many websites (53%) allow physicians to pay for benefits or extension packages, with benefits offered including advertising, search engine optimization, competitor blocking, social media marketing, consultant services, and data analytics. Competitor blocking was provided by the most number of websites who offered additional services for pay (78%). CONCLUSIONS: Appointments are not required to post physician reviews on many review websites, and many websites allow physicians to purchase packages to enhance their search engine optimization or consumer reach. Accordingly, plastic surgeons' reputations on review websites may be influenced by factors extraneous to actual patient care. Patients and physicians should be cognizant that physician review websites may not be reflective of factors related to quality of patient care.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Ann Plast Surg

DOI

EISSN

1536-3708

Publication Date

May 1, 2024

Volume

92

Issue

5

Start / End Page

499 / 507

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Surgery, Plastic
  • Surgery
  • Surgeons
  • Internet
  • Humans
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • 3203 Dentistry
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 1103 Clinical Sciences
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
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Yi, V. N., Tian, W. M., Klifto, K., Atia, T., Sergesketter, A. R., & Erdmann, D. (2024). Assessing the Benefits and Downsides of Physician Review Websites to Plastic Surgeons: A Cost-Benefit Analysis. Ann Plast Surg, 92(5), 499–507. https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000003780
Yi, Victoria N., William M. Tian, Kevin Klifto, Tim Atia, Amanda R. Sergesketter, and Detlev Erdmann. “Assessing the Benefits and Downsides of Physician Review Websites to Plastic Surgeons: A Cost-Benefit Analysis.Ann Plast Surg 92, no. 5 (May 1, 2024): 499–507. https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000003780.
Yi VN, Tian WM, Klifto K, Atia T, Sergesketter AR, Erdmann D. Assessing the Benefits and Downsides of Physician Review Websites to Plastic Surgeons: A Cost-Benefit Analysis. Ann Plast Surg. 2024 May 1;92(5):499–507.
Yi, Victoria N., et al. “Assessing the Benefits and Downsides of Physician Review Websites to Plastic Surgeons: A Cost-Benefit Analysis.Ann Plast Surg, vol. 92, no. 5, May 2024, pp. 499–507. Pubmed, doi:10.1097/SAP.0000000000003780.
Yi VN, Tian WM, Klifto K, Atia T, Sergesketter AR, Erdmann D. Assessing the Benefits and Downsides of Physician Review Websites to Plastic Surgeons: A Cost-Benefit Analysis. Ann Plast Surg. 2024 May 1;92(5):499–507.

Published In

Ann Plast Surg

DOI

EISSN

1536-3708

Publication Date

May 1, 2024

Volume

92

Issue

5

Start / End Page

499 / 507

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Surgery, Plastic
  • Surgery
  • Surgeons
  • Internet
  • Humans
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • 3203 Dentistry
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 1103 Clinical Sciences