Healthgrades is a U.S.-based company that provides comprehensive information about physicians, hospitals, and healthcare providers. Founded in 1998 by Kerry Hicks and colleagues, the company has amassed data on over three million U.S. healthcare providers. Healthgrades is part of RVO Health, a partnership between Red Ventures and Optum, which is a division of UnitedHealth Group.
The Healthgrades website offers a platform where users can search for doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals. It provides details such as board certifications, types of procedures offered, hospital affiliations, and accepted insurance plans. Additionally, the site features patient reviews and ratings, allowing individuals to evaluate healthcare providers based on factors like communication skills, office staff friendliness, and ease of scheduling urgent appointments.
In 2011, Time magazine recognized Healthgrades as one of its "50 Best Websites," highlighting its utility in helping consumers make informed healthcare decisions.
By January 2014, the platform was attracting approximately 17 million unique visitors monthly, according to comScore data. Many companies and health plans have integrated Healthgrades' information into their offerings to assist participants in selecting appropriate healthcare providers.
Healthgrades evaluates hospitals based on risk-adjusted mortality and in-hospital complications. Its analyses are derived from approximately 40 million Medicare discharges over the most recent three-year period available. The company assigns 1-, 3-, and 5-star ratings to providers, indicating outcomes that are worse than expected, near predicted levels, and better than expected, respectively. However, some critics have raised concerns about the reliability and validity of these ratings, citing a lack of transparency in the methodology.
Over the years, Healthgrades has faced criticism regarding the accuracy of its information. A 2004 report by the Rocky Mountain News highlighted inaccuracies in physician disciplinary records, and a 2016 Consumer Reports article noted instances where malpractice suits were not disclosed on physician profiles. Additionally, some users have expressed concerns about the authenticity of reviews and the company's handling of provider information.
In 2021, the Healthgrades.com marketplace was acquired by Red Ventures, leading to the formation of RVO Health in partnership with Optum in 2022. This collaboration aims to combine content, chronic condition communities, and tools to enhance consumer healthcare experiences.
Despite criticisms, Healthgrades remains a widely used resource for individuals seeking information about healthcare providers. Users are advised to consider multiple sources and consult directly with healthcare professionals when making decisions about medical care.