LITTLE ROCK – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) recently became the first medical center in Arkansas — and one of the first in the United States — to display patient ratings and comments about its physicians on its website.
The patient ratings of UAMS physicians use a five-star rating system, with five stars being the best. A physician’s rating is posted on the website once the physician has a minimum of 30 completed surveys. Physician ratings can be found at Error! Hyperlink reference not valid..
Patients who are seen by a UAMS physician in an outpatient setting receive a survey. The results are based entirely from patients who have been treated by the physician.
Patients receive the survey from NRC and patients complete it to provide comments regarding aspects of care. UAMS receives the survey results from NRC and then uses patient feedback to improve and enhance the patient’s experience of care.
As part of its commitment to transparency, UAMS will post all relevant feedback — both positive and those ratings and comments showing opportunities for improvement. However, comments are not posted that are libelous, profane, or that risk the privacy of patients. Every provider rating is published regardless of comment status.
The surveys ask patients to evaluate how well their physician communicated, listened, and showed courtesy and respect toward them. Results are used to evaluate patients’ overall perception of care and to identify areas for improvement. Patient names are not displayed through the online ratings and commentary reviews. All personally identifiable information is removed prior to display.
UAMS uses the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Clinician and Group Practice survey, which was developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for use in hospitals and medical practices nationwide.