How to Find the Right Provider for Your Child’s Diagnosis: Seek Smart Opinions

This is part two of a four-part series about finding the right specialty doctor for your child's diagnosis, with guidance from members of the Shriners Children's healthcare system. Read part one.

Read Reviews Right

Of course, anyone looking to make a decision these days - whether where to go for dinner or where to get surgery - turns to online reviews for guidance. And it's a good idea for matters big and small because consumers and patients of all kinds can provide their honest opinions and experiences without fear of censorship.

However, it's always smart to remember that people who have had negative experiences are more likely to post reviews and are usually the most vocal, so try to take negative reviews with a grain of salt.

Connie Wilson, RN, MSN, CNOR, CSPDT,director of patient care services and nurse executive at Shriners Children's Lexington, said that not all review sites are created equal. She recommended Healthgrades, Vitals, Google Reviews, Yelp, social media groups and forums and patient advocacy groups, giving extra weight to other families with similar situations to yours. "Using a combination of these resources can give you a well-rounded view of the experiences of other families and help you make an informed decision about your child's care," she said.

However, she suggested steering clear of unverified websites, anonymous forums, paid review sites and outdated or unsupported reviews if you want the most accurate information.

No matter which online sources you read, use certain strategies to get the most out of the information, Wilson said. First, look for patterns. "Assess reviews for common themes or repeated issues," she said. "A few negative reviews among many positive ones might indicate an isolated problem rather than a systemic issue."

However, there are certainly red flags to look out for, Wilson said, particularly consistent negative feedback about poor communication, unprofessional behavior, lack of empathy or compassion, ineffective treatment, high turnover, questionable ethics and unresolved complaints.

Overly positive or generic reviews might be biased or not provide a realistic picture of the provider's performance, she said. And, if the doctor provides responses to patient complaints, pay attention to their approach: Are they sympathetic and solutions-oriented or defensive and condescending?

Watch out for inconsistent information, too, Wilson said. "Discrepancies between reviews or conflicting information about the provider's qualifications, experience or treatment methods can be concerning." Make sure that information posted online is recent and reflects the current quality of care.

No matter where you get your information, be smart about analyzing what you read - and considering it in context with other factors discussed here - before making a final choice. "You should weigh the good with the bad and make the decision that works best for you and your family," said Kimberly Curran, a nurse care manager at Shriners Children's Philadelphia.

Talk to Friends and Family

It's natural to turn to loved ones like friends and family for advice when making a crucial decision like choosing a specialist for your child's diagnosis. However, just because you love someone doesn't mean you should necessarily listen to them in every instance.

"Consider the opinions of people you find sensible, decent, balanced and who do not make comments without real and objective evidence," Felipe Haces-Garcia, medical director of Shriners Children's Mexico in Mexico City, said.

Wilson agreed: "Consider the background of the person offering the advice. Recommendations from healthcare professionals or individuals with medical knowledge can carry more weight." So, even though your cousin has watched every single episode of Grey's Anatomy, they may know less than they think they do when it comes to your big decision.

Likewise, prioritize opinions from people who have direct experience with similar specialty care because their insights will be more relevant to your situation, Wilson said. Even better? Talk to someone who has direct experience with the provider you're considering.

However, try to be aware of any potential biases. "For instance, a recommendation might be influenced by personal relationships or experiences that may not apply to your situation," she said.

The most useful recommendations are the ones with specific details about why someone suggests a particular provider or facility. "General endorsements without concrete reasons may be less helpful," Wilson said. "Information about the provider's communication, expertise and approach can be valuable."

Ultimately, Curran said to keep your family's priorities front and center when weighing others' opinions. "Everyone is different. You should make a list of pros and cons for you and your family. What is important for you may not be important to someone else, and the reverse may be true as well. Some people may not like the same things that you do."