Patient Ratings and Reviews

Guide to Patient Experience Surveys and Ratings

Wellstar Medical Group is focused on providing an exceptional experience in every care interaction. All ratings are submitted by actual patients and verified by a leading company in the patient experience industry. We measure all aspects of patient experience. To ensure that we are holding ourselves to the highest standards, we partner with an independent patient experience company, National Research Corporation (NRC Health). NRC Health also provides the technology to display the ratings and comments on our physician profile pages.

Who receives the survey?

The survey is mailed to randomly selected Wellstar Medical Group patients within a few days following their appointments. Patients are asked to complete the survey and provide comments regarding specific aspects of care. We use this feedback to improve and enhance the care we offer.

Do you post all the comments?

Wellstar Medical Group is committed to transparency. That means posting all relevant feedback—whether it's positive or negative. However, we do not post comments that are libelous, profane, or those that risk the privacy of our patients. Every provider rating is published regardless of comment status.

What questions are asked?

Wellstar Medical Group utilizes the NRC Health Real-time survey, which was developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for use in hospitals and medical practices across the country. 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.

We calculate our star ratings based on responses to the below questions from the real-time survey.

Physician Communication Questions

Did this provider seem to know your medical history?
Did this provider listen carefully to you?
During your most recent visit, did the care providers explain things about your health in a way that was easy to understand?
Did this provider give you enough information about your health and treatment?
Did you trust this provider with your care?
How likely would you be to recommend this provider to your family and friends?

Why can't we see patient ratings and reviews for every doctor?

Industry best practice is clear that more data provides a more accurate picture. That's why we require a minimum of 30 completed patient surveys per doctor before we post a physician's rating. Over time, with more surveys received on an ongoing basis, the number of rated physicians will increase.

A physician's rating will only be posted on the site when there are a minimum of 30 completed surveys.

Can anyone complete a survey or post a comment about a physician?

No. Only patients having an outpatient visit by a Wellstar Medical Group physician may be selected to receive a survey. The results are based entirely from patients who have actually been treated by the physician.

How is patient information protected?

Patient names are not displayed through the online ratings and commentary reviews. All personally identifiable information is removed prior to display.