Many doctors complain bitterly about the new crop of sites allowing consumers to rate their services. However, few have managed to reign in the flood of sometimes nasty commentary flowing onto sites like www.ratemds.com [1]. Now, however, a company that helps doctors fight medical malpractice claims is working for change.

Medical Justice Services has developed a program helping physicians protect themselves against so-called "online defamation." The program includes giving physicians an agreement for patients to sign which requires the patient to let their physician know about any grievances they have. The agreement would also require patients to give physicians the chance to remedy any problems they'd encountered.

To learn more about the initiative:
- read this item [2] in The Business Journal

ALSO:  One blogger isn't too impressed with Medical Justice's program, saying it gives physicians a "false sense of security." Blog [3]

Related Articles:
Conn. physicians sue plans, claim defamation. Report [4]
SPOTLIGHT: The fuss over physician ratings. Report [5]
N.Y. Officials demand halt to doctor-rating plan. Report [6]