Online ratings of spinal deformity surgeons: analysis of 634 surgeons

Observational study.

To evaluate the online ratings of spine deformity surgeons and variables that may affect online ratings Physician review websites (PRW) continue to be an emerging trend in the US across all specialties. Previous literature with smaller sample sizes revealed that most spine surgeons are rated on at least on PRW. To date, the online ratings of spinal deformity surgeons have not been evaluated.

A review of the 2017 Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) Fellowship directory for active fellows and candidate members yielded 634 active members. Online ratings from five PRWs were recorded and scaled from 0 to 100. Using SPSS, one-way analysis of variance was used to compare differences between multiple groups. A t test was used to compare differences between two groups. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Most surgeons (98.7%) were rated on at least one PRW. Surgeons in academic or hospital practice had higher ratings than those in private practice (83.4 vs. 78.8, and 83.7 vs. 78.8, p < 0.001). Surgeons with 0-5-year experience had higher ratings than more experienced surgeons (p < 0.001). However, surgeons in practice for 0-5 years also had fewer reviews than their more experienced colleagues (p < 0.05). We found no differences in ratings based on sex, specialty, or region. The largest differences in ratings between high and poorly rated spine surgeons was in areas pertaining to the doctor-patient relationship (answering questions, time spent with the patient).

The majority (98.7%) of SRS surgeons are rated on at least one PRW. SRS surgeons in practice between 0 and 5 years have higher ratings than more experienced surgeons, but were rated by fewer patients than their more experienced counterparts. Higher ratings were associated with variables pertaining to the patient-doctor relationship.

IV.