How to . . . find a health care provider

One way to find a health-care provider is by recommendation. But what if no one you know can give you a suggestion? One alternative is a website where patients of doctors rate them.

1. Go to health grades.com. You can search for a doctor by name, location or specialty. The more patients that have rated a physician, the more accurate the picture you'll probably receive. Unfortunately, some physicians have not been rated.

2. Aside from patient ratings, you will find the doctor's address and phone number; age; sex; links to patient load; medical school, graduation date and residency; hospital affiliations; malpractice and disciplinary history; insurance plans accepted.

3. You can rate doctors that you have seen but must provide a valid email address; you can also search for and rate dentists, mental health and alternative medicine providers; check how hospitals rate in certain areas and see who is on staff; or get information on specific medical procedures.