Healthgrades

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 6, 2015/08/17) */
Dear *** ** ***,
Thank you for contacting Healthgrades via the Revdex.comWhile you have emailed multiple times, Healthgrades has responded to each of your emails
7/- Dr*** *** sent in email requesting removal
8/-
Healthgrades responded (denied)
8/- Dr*** *** acknowledged receipt of Healthgrades email by way of responding to email sent by Healthgrades on 8/
8/- provider logged into Healthgrades provider portal which has a separate user agreement, agreed to the terms and made updates (or attempted to make) the following fields:
Updated Accepts new patients, removed board certifications, removed degree, changed first name to ***, removed insurance, removed middle name, changed specialty from Anesthesiology to Internal medicine, removed PA license
8/- Healthgrades responded to second email sent in by provider on 8/- denied removal
8/- Dr*** *** sent another email requesting to hear from supervisor
8/- supervisor responded - Privacy policy definition
8/- Dr*** *** responded to supervisors email
8/- Dr*** *** sent in 2nd email to supervisor
Healthgrades provides information on healthcare providers as a free service to consumers, patients and other healthcare professionalsIn its provision of this service, Healthgrades aggregates information related to provider practices from publicly available sourcesBecause Dr*** *** is a practicing provider and the published information regarding his practice is publicly available and of interest to the general public, Healthgrades' policies prohibit me from completely removing this information from our website
Regards,
*** ***
Healthgrades

Dear *** ***, **, Thank you for contacting HealthgradesHealthgrades operates a website which provides information on healthcare providers as a free service to consumers, patients and other healthcare professionals. In its provision of this service, Healthgrades aggregates information related to provider practices from publicly available sources and accepts user comments Healthgrades is an objective source and does not block content from specific individuals at the request of 3rdpartiesUpon review of the survey data we have determined that the survey comment meets Healthgrades criteria for displayAccordingly, our business rules would prohibit us from removing any such survey data from our site. We remind you that survey submissions at healthgrades.com represent the individual opinions of patients and are aggregated for the benefit of consumers. We do see that you posted a response to the comment/opinion from the patient where you confirm they or a family member are a patient : “Family was told by a surgeon with multiple years experience and the medical director of the hospital that my treatment plan was the correct planThe family believed that the patient could not even get up to go to the bathroom or they would throw a blood clot from a DVTPt was placed on *** and tried to DC home, as is protocolPt was ok with plan, however daughter was extremely difficult to deal withComplained about all hospital staff and lied about nursesNot a trustworthy person.” I am sorry that you do not agree, however our conclusions remain the same Respectfully, *** ***Tell us why here

Complaint:
I am rejecting this response because:
Sincerely,
*** ***

As previously stated, Healthgrades provides information on healthcare providers as a free service to consumers, patients and other healthcare professionals. In its provision of this service, Healthgrades aggregates information related to provider practices from publicly available sources. Because you are a practicing provider and the published information regarding your practice is publicly available and of interest to the general public, Healthgrades’ policies prohibit completely removing this information from our website Currently, there are no reviews on your profile However, a provider may also respond to a comment/opinion that is posted on our website. To do so, they can log into a provider portal: updated.healthgrades.com to post a replyRespectfully, Healthgrades

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ***, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me
Sincerely,
*** ***

Dear *** ***, Thank you for your reply. The American Psychological Association’s Ethics Code states under Principle that it is unethical for a psychologist to solicit testimonials. “Psychologists do not solicit testimonials from current therapy clients/patients or other persons who because of their particular circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence.” Ethics Codes for social workers and marriage and family therapists have similar provisions. Healthgrades has applied this code of ethics broadly to every mental healthcare provider, which we allow anyone in a mental health field to opt out of surveys While you may not have a private practice, it appears that you are still seeing patients clinically which would include consulting. *** *** lists the categories as Addiction, Aftercare, Health & Wellness, Infographics, Intervention, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Mod the categories of treatment: Addiction, Aftercare, Health & Wellness, Infographics, Intervention, Lifestyle, Medalities, Treatment, and Uncategorized. We will continue to list that as your address. The other address at *** *** *** (*** ** *** *** *** ** ***) is listed as the address you submitted to the *** *** *** for your practice address. I will remove all but the two addressesAnd finally, Healthgrades policies are internal. We do not share our operational procedures externally. I am sorry you are dissatisfied however our conclusions remain the same. Regards, *** *** Healthgrades

Dear *** *** ***Thank you for contacting Healthgrades via the Revdex.com.Healthgrades provides information on healthcare providers as a free service to consumers, patients and other healthcare professionals. In its provision of this service, Healthgrades aggregates information related to
provider practices from publicly available sources. Because you are a practicing provider and the published information regarding your practice is publicly available and of interest to the general public, Healthgrades’ policies prohibit me from completely removing this information from our website. However, while we collect information that is in the public domain for licensed healthcare providers, many providers elect to manage their own profiles for free on our website and update them with their most current information. Of note, it appears that Healthgrades did update the address information to what you indicated. Of note ~ the address of *** *** *** *** *** ** was obtained from NPI. Whoever filled out your paperwork listed that address as your business practice address. I’ve attached a copy of the NPI information to this complaint. That address is still showing in the public domain as your business practice address. We would suggest that this be updated to your current locations. The reviews follow the provider not the location(s) and therefore will not be removed as they meet Healthgrades criteria for display. Finally, Healthgrades is not linked to your website as you ascertain in your complaint. I trust this resolves your concerns*** *** Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc

Dear [redacted],Thank you for contacting Healthgrades via the Revdex.com.  The survey functionality suppression did occur in Oct of 2015.  When you click through the search engine link to Healthgrades website you can see that there is no functionality and there are no surveys.  The...

search engines such as Google have to re-index their cached static links ~ sometimes this takes up to 30 days.  We have no control over when Google or any other search engine crawls our website, however if you do a google search you will see that the cached index page has updated.Finally, Healthgrades provides information on healthcare providers as a free service to consumers, patients and other healthcare professionals.  In its provision of this service, Healthgrades aggregates information related to provider practices from publicly available sources.  Because you are a practicing provider and the published information regarding your practice is publicly available and of interest to the general public, Healthgrades’ policies prohibit me from completely removing this information from our website.  However, while we collect information that is in the public domain for licensed healthcare providers, many providers elect to manage their own profiles for free on our website and update them with their most current information.  To the extent you provide me with an updated business address, I am happy to complete that update for you.  I did not update the address which is registered under your business practice, [redacted] but I have that information if that is the address you want updated to.  Please note that because the current address information displaying on Healthgrades.com is coming from a public registry at the [redacted] where you provided the address of: [redacted] other sites also have this address and phone number.Regards, [redacted] Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc

Dear [redacted], Thank you for contacting the Revdex.com. I apologize that you are dissatisfied however our conclusions remain the same.   Respectfully,[redacted]Healthgrades

Dear [redacted],Thank you for contacting Healthgrades via the Revdex.com.  Healthgrades has suppressed the reviews that came in on/about Sept 2017 because they violated our business rules.   There is nothing to stop the commenter from coming back and posting another...

survey/opinion so Healthgrades suggests – given you know who the party is, to perhaps work this out between the two parties. We would not remove the survey functionality simply because your counsel suggested such.  The better option would be to have your counsel contact this person.  Healthgrades considers this issue resolved.Thank you, [redacted]Healthgrades Operating Company

Dear [redacted], Thank you for contacting Healthgrades via the Revdex.com.  I do show that the survey functionality was turned off on 8/2, the same day we contacted you and the same day the Revdex.com complaint was filed.    While healthcare providers may be privately employed, the...

information regarding them is still public and their licensure is public.  The address we have is what was supplied by the provider to the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.  Additionally I have added a second address to the profile under [redacted] where the provider is listed as a LCSW.  Regards, [redacted]Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 9, 2015/08/10) */
Thank you for contacting Healthgrades via the Revdex.com.
Regarding your privacy and request that Healthgrades remove the profile entirely from our site, I again state that Healthgrades collects information on healthcare providers that is already in...

the public domain, aggregates such information, and makes it available to consumers for their benefit. While you may not work for a public institution, your state licensing authority, as well as other 3rd party sources, makes information about your practice publicly available as a matter of public policy. Because the information regarding your practice is of interest to the general public and is made available by 3rd party sources, aggregation and publication of such information is proper. As previously stated, you may wish to continue managing your profile and customizing the information available there. As you know, this is a free service to all providers.
Regards,
[redacted]

Dear [redacted] Thank you for contacting Healthgrades and the Revdex.com. I have reviewed all the correspondences/responses to and from you and Healthgrades.  We have been responsive to all your contacts with our company.  I’m happy to provide copies of all correspondences if you...

wish.  Healthgrades operates a website which provides information on healthcare providers as a free service to consumers, patients and other healthcare professionals.  In its provision of this service, Healthgrades aggregates information related to provider practices from publicly available sources and accepts user comments.  Healthgrades is an objective source and does not block content from specific individuals at the request of 3rd parties. Upon review of the survey data we have determined that the survey comment meets Healthgrades criteria for display. Accordingly, our business rules would prohibit us from removing any such survey data from our site.  We remind you that survey submissions at healthgrades.com represent the individual opinions of patients and are aggregated for the benefit of consumers.      To respond to an individual patient comment, please log into our provider portal.  Keep in mind Healthgrades is a community driven site.  All comments from provider and patients are filtered for inappropriate content prior to being published.  We encourage you to read the Best Practices pdf and watch the educational video: [redacted] Please remember, HIPAA compliance is YOUR obligation. You must have a portal account in order to respond.  Healthgrades cannot post a response on behalf of a provider.     [redacted]   In the left hand rail, hover on the blue silhouette of a person, (next to Basic Information) Select ‘Patient Experience’ Select ‘Patient Review’ Locate the comment you want to reply to and click on the white 'reply' bubble on the right. Replies will go through an audit process and will not be available on our consumer site immediately. If you have questions, please use our ‘contact us’, located at the bottom of the provider portal page. Regards, [redacted]Healthgrades

Complaint: 11176088
I am rejecting this response because:  I have asked to be removed from this website as I did not ask to be placed on the website to begin with and I do not agree or approve of any of the policies associated with this website.  They obviously do not have any mechanism in place to validate or verify information that they place on their website.  It is a violation of my privacy.  Any information that needs to be known about my license is available from the licensing board and is sufficient public information and one I am confident in the validity of information.
Sincerely,
[redacted]

Dear [redacted]Thank you for contacting Healthgrades and the Revdex.com.Healthgrades relies on the veracity of the person submitting the content/opinion.  We also have a statement that every person submitting has to agree to:  “By submitting this form, you agree to the terms...

and conditions of the Healthgrades User Agreement, Editorial Policy, and Privacy Policy, and certify you or a family member has had contact with this practice. You also confirm that you do not work for, are not in competition with and are not related to the provider in this review.By submitting a comment/opinion/survey, you agree to the terms and conditions of Healthgrades user agreement, editorial policy and privacy policy and certify you or a family member has had contact with this practice. “ Additionally, the display name on the comments/opinions and demographic information is not a requirement in order to submit.  A person has the option to put in a Display Name, use their real name or leave this blank.A provider may respond to individual comments that are on our website.  If you have interest in this, please let me know.Finally, Healthgrades provides information on healthcare providers as a free service to consumers, patients and other healthcare professionals.  In its provision of this service, Healthgrades aggregates information related to provider practices from publicly available sources.  Because you are a practicing provider and the published information regarding your practice is publicly available and of interest to the general public, Healthgrades’ policies prohibit me from completely removing this information from our website.  Respectfully,[redacted]Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc

Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because:if I can comment on othwrs’ Posts on my profile, why am I reading reviews of people unable to do so? Additionally, I’ve also read that random people, not patients, have been leaving reviews on profiles. My information being public is one thing; leaving a review about me is a completely different matter. I look forward to your next copied and pasted response. 
Sincerely,
[redacted]

Dear [redacted]                   Thank you for contacting Healthgrades via the Revdex.com.We sent you a link to update your...

address and insurance information at Healthgrades.com through our free provider portal since you have already established a registered user account.   We did not ask you to update your address with the National Physician Database.  Healthgrades provides information on healthcare providers as a free service to consumers, patients and other healthcare professionals.  In its provision of this service, Healthgrades aggregates information related to provider practices from publicly available sources.  Because you are a practicing provider and the published information regarding your practice is publicly available and of interest to the general public, Healthgrades’ policies prohibit me from completely removing this information from our website.  However, while we collect information that is in the public domain for licensed healthcare providers, many providers elect to manage their own profiles for free on our website and update them with their most current information.  To the extent you provide me with an updated business address for yourself, I am happy to complete that update for you.  Of note, the [redacted] has your address listed as [redacted] and [redacted] has your address listed as : [redacted]   I have added both those addresses to the profile and removed the address that elicited contact.  If we don’t hear back as to which address to update to, we will leave both addresses on the profile.  This will replicate to our consumer site within 24-48 business hours. You may also update your insurances accepted through our free provider portal and again, I’m happy to update that information if you supply the data to me.  Finally, I have sent a request to the survey investigation team.  We do allow mental healthcare providers to opt out of all surveys and functionality.  You will be receiving a separate email today asking if you would like to shut off that functionality.  It is an ‘all or nothing’ choice.  I hope this will rectify your concerns stated in the complaint.  If not, please feel free to correspond with me directly [redacted]Regards, [redacted]Healthgrades

Dear [redacted],Thank you for contacting Healthgrades via the Revdex.com.  You emailed Healthgrades on 11/28/17 asking where the comment was that you submitted for your provider on 11/25/17.  Our service team responded to you on 12/5/17 that the comment you submitted was posted on our...

website, Healthgrades.com.  Would you please expand upon what you are stating is ‘illegal and unethical’ on our website, Healthgrades.com?  Also, you state that we have no terms of use – this is emphatically incorrect.  We have terms of use listed for our website and in addition, we have a separate term of use for submission of our surveys which every patient must agree to before they can submit a survey – much like you had to do upon submission for both surveys you submitted on two different providers.  Here is the separate Terms of Use specific to survey submissions that you agreed to:By submitting this form, you agree to the terms and conditions of the Healthgrades User Agreement, Editorial Policy and Privacy Policy, and certify you or a family member has had contact with this practice.  You also confirm that you do not work for, are not in competition with and are not related to the provider in this review.Your email address or phone number will NOT appear publicly with your review.  When you submit your survey, we will either email or text you with a verification link.             We may also email you future updates about Healthgrades content and products.The additional information we collect helps Healthgrades offer the highest quality product for our audience.  The optional details you submit about your gender, age group, and number of office visits are never linked directly to your identity.  I trust this resolves all the issues listed in your complaint.  If not, please feel free to reach out to Healthgrades via the ‘Contact Us’ on every webpage.Regards,[redacted]Healthgrades

Dear [redacted] Thank you for your rebuttal.  I am sorry you are dissatisfied however our conclusions remain the same, we will not remove publicly available information from our website.  The phone number listed is publicly available through [redacted].  I am happy to update this for you if you will send me the phone number.   Also there are many other websites who get information from [redacted] so it would be best to correct this at the source. Again, I am most happy to update the phone number if you send me the correct one.  Finally, I am happy to speak to the attorney general of GA.  I took a screen shot of the publicly available data where the phone number ###-###-#### came from.Regards,[redacted]Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc

Thank you for contacting Healthgrades via the Revdex.com.  After additional review, Healthgrades has confirmed that the comment in question meets our criteria for display and it will remain published. Healthgrades is a third-party collector of the personal opinions of patients. The feedback does not...

represent the opinion of Healthgrades, and we do not mediate differences of opinion.  We do provide an area for Dr. [redacted] to respond to the comment by logging into our provider portal.  Many providers ask the patient to contact their office directly, so they can discuss the issue and encourage the reviewer to withdraw the comment.  Some providers will use the provider response area to document their side of the issue.Healthgrades provides information on healthcare providers as a free service to consumers, patients, and other healthcare professionals.  In its provision of this service, Healthgrades aggregates information related to provider practices from publicly available sources and makes it available to the general public.   Respectfully,Healthgrades ...