Online feedback site adds doctor category

Angie's List, which claims 600,000 members nationwide, moves into letting consumers grade physicians.

By Emily Berry, AMNews staff. April 21, 2008.

Physicians are the among the newest addition to the 300-plus ranked categories on Angie's List, a consumer Web site that also lets subscribers trade tips about plumbers, electricians and dry cleaners.

Angie's List founder Angie Hicks said March's addition of medical categories, which also includes pharmacies and health insurance companies, was in response to requests from members. In a poll of members earlier this year, 76% said they wanted medical services added to the site, she said.

But Diana Carmona-Keller, MD, a gynecologist in solo practice in Canonsburg, Pa., said she was a little apprehensive about physician ratings on the site. "You can't make everyone happy. Occasionally I run into patients who what they think is necessary and what I think is necessary just don't agree."

Angie's List claims more than 600,000 members across the country. On the Indianapolis-based site, ratings are given in several categories by letter grade from "A" to "F," and then an overall grade is given. Each user also can enter a narrative describing his or her experience with that company or professional. Only Angie's List subscribers see the ratings. But any company or person who is rated is notified by letter and can see that member's identity and respond to the posting.