On Thursday, Mount Sinai Health System became the largest academic health system in New York City to post patient experience ratings for its physicians online.
The star ratings are calculated from Clinician & Group CAHPS surveys filled out by patients after a visit to a physician's office. The stars are based on patients' responses to the following three questions from the survey:
- During the visit, did the provider explain things in a way that was easy to understand?
- During this visit, did this provider listen carefully to you?
- Would you recommend this provider's office to your family and friends?
Only physicians with at least 30 surveys in the last 18 months will have a rating — out of five stars — displayed on the system's Find a Doctor webpage.
"Online reviews provide a vital source of information for patients that will help them make informed choices," said Jeremy Boal, MD, Mount Sinai Health System's executive vice president and CMO. "Transparency helps build trust and is an important way to engage and strengthen relationships with our patients."
According to the system, its homegrown ratings display gives reliable, verified information, making it superior to ratings posted on websites like Healthgrades, Yelp, Vitals or other websites.