These days it seems to me that when people are sick and their family physician refers them to a specialist they do their due diligence. That is, they try to “check” the doctor out before they go. They try to find out what others are saying about the doctor they need to be seen by by looking at reviews. Most review platforms don't verify the identity of the person posting. Anyone can write a glowing review or a scathing critique without proof they ever visited the doctor. It could easily be the doctor’s friend, spouse, office manager or even a paid service generating fake positive feedback. On the flip side, competitors or disgruntled former employees could leave unfairly negative reviews.

Unlike broad review sites where virtually anyone can leave a comment, PatientReaction is condition-specific and that makes it a huge difference in the quality, credibility and depth of shared experiences. On PatientReaction, you’re not just leaving a generic review about a doctor-you're participating in a focused dialogue around a specific medical condition. Whether it's breast cancer, lumbar herniated disc, diabetes mellitus, each page is dedicated to real patients and caregivers navigating the same diagnosis. If someone tries to fake their way in, they'll quickly stand out because:

1. They just understand the condition-specific terminology.
2. Their descriptions will lack the depth and nuance that only someone who has actually experienced the illness would know.
3. Other users, who are well versed and often deeply educated about their condition will immediately pick up on the inconsistencies or vague comments.

In essence, the PatientReaction which is still in Beta, monitors itself and anyone who doesn't belong will quickly be exposed.

People who live with a condition know how to talk about it in a way that's impossible to fake. They mention things like: side effects from specific medications, emotional challenges at different stages of treatment, diagnostic delays or mishaps, insurance and access issues and the mental toll of uncertainty or chronic pain. Fake or shallow reviews can't mimic this lived experience. When you’re part of a real patient community like PatientReaction you’re not just sharing an opinion-you’re telling your story and the authenticity of it cannot be fabricated. The PatientReaction community expects substance so the format of the platform makes it very hard to post generic praise or baseless criticism. Because users are sharing complex medical journeys, empathy and insight are the currency of the conversation.