Top Docs 2008 Part I: Who to See

…And How M.D.s Get Graded

Those who want more than a simple thumbs-up from a coworker or relative have a few other ways to settle on a doctor. One is to check out consumer-review websites like RateMDs.com and Angie’s List, which let users score doctors on things like punctuality and professionalism. As with market leader Yelp (best known for restaurant and retail reviews, it also posts physician evals), the sites typically attract strongly pro or con opinions, so take with a few cc’s of salt.

Just-the-facts types can look through a physician’s credentials, posted by the state Board of Registration in Medicine. From education and professional awards to disciplinary actions and malpractice claims, it’s all compiled at profiles.massmedboard.org.

Another way to know if a doctor’s any good: Ask another doctor. That’s the idea behind the peer surveys used to create lists of outstanding M.D.s (like ours—see “About Our Top Doctors List.” While the way participants are chosen and nominees are vetted can vary widely, these surveys tend to ask a variation of the same question: “To whom would you send a loved one for healthcare?” After all, high-flying titles and awards are dandy, but for our money, placing the care of your parent, spouse, or child in someone else’s hands is the highest mark of trust.