A controversial physician-rating program sponsored by two insurers is leading to protests from some doctors. United Healthcare and Aetna are collaborating on the initiative, which sees doctors in some markets rated on quality of care and cost according to criteria set by the insurers. Doctors judged to be outstanding have stars placed next to their names in both the United and Aetna directories. Patients are able to access the ratings online. Doctors in Ohio, one of the markets where the system is being tested, say they are unhappy with the idea of being rated and fear that some patients may be misled by the star system. Physicians across the country have objected to the plans, calling them a step toward widely-loathed pay-for-performance.
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