Patient Satisfaction of General Dermatologists: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of 38,008 Online Reviews by Gender and Years of Experience

Abstract

Online reviews are the newest method for patients to evaluate their providers. However, insufficient studies focus on the role of inherent physician characteristics, such as gender and years of experience, on patient satisfaction. We analyzed both quantitative and qualitative online reviews of 350 general dermatology providers at 121 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited dermatology programs across the country to determine the effect of gender and years of experience. There were 38,008 online reviews of general dermatology providers. There was no significant difference in male and female overall ratings. Ratings were overall equally positive for both genders. Female providers were more likely to have positive written comments regarding time spent with patients (P = 0.027). New providers received highest overall, promptness, and time spent with patient ratings (P < 0.001). Medium experience providers received highest scores in bedside manner (P < 0.001), accurate diagnosis (P = 0.018), and ability to answer questions (P = 0.005). Advanced providers scored the lowest across all categories. In conclusion, gender did not significantly affect ratings, although females received more positive written comments on time spent with patients. Years of experience, however, is a significant factor in patient ratings, with new or medium experience providers scoring higher than advanced providers in every category.