Close

Learn more about these ratings.

Why are highly rated specialists important?

Specialists are doctors who have advanced education and clinical training in a specific area of medicine, such as cardiologists or pediatricians. Specialists and their staff are a big part of your experience with a health plan. It is important for you and your specialist to develop a trusting relationship to discuss your health, understand your health care options and sometimes work with you to make difficult decisions about your overall well-being.

How can PPOs make sure they provide highly rated specialists?

When members give their specialists high ratings, it means the PPO has specialists and staff who listen to you, explain things clearly and treat you with respect. When patients are a part of making decisions about their health care, they often have better health outcomes. When specialists communicate well, it helps you to make the choices that best fit your needs.

There are many ways that a specialist can show how well they communicate with their patients. Health plans whose specialists are highly rated by their patients make sure that:

• You aren’t rushed during your specialist visit — you have enough time to talk through your questions and health care concerns
• Specialists are respectful and pay close attention to your question and health care concerns
• Specialists talk through your treatment options with you
• Your health records are immediately available to other doctors and providers who are caring for you
• You and your specialists make decisions together about your health