Does a high rating mean the treatment will help?

Why can two people feel so different?

Two people may rate an office for very different reasons. One may judge the front desk. Another may rate how the joint felt later. The rating doesn't tell you which part mattered most.

Your health can change how your joint feels after treatment. Sleep, strength, other illnesses, and daily activity can affect soreness. You won't see all those details in a short public comment.

People can also hope for different amounts of relief. Someone expecting all soreness to end may dislike a small improvement. Another person may value that improvement because climbing stairs became easier.

How do I use a rating without being misled?

First, read both pleased and unhappy comments. Look for repeated details about wait times, costs, and calls after visits. Don't let one angry or glowing comment represent every visit.

Then ask the office to describe the treatment in plain words. Find out who examines you, what the treatment involves, and who checks on you afterward. Reviews can't give you those medical details.

Keep your treatment choice separate from the service rating. Your doctor needs your medical history, exam, and goals before giving advice. A public rating can't replace that work.

Write down the clinic's claims about the treatment. If you're unsure, ask another doctor to compare those claims with your exam and X-ray. That second opinion may help you spot an answer that doesn't fit your health.

Evidence sources

1. A comprehensive review of published case reports, clinical reports and media accounts catalogued the safety incidents associated with unproven stem cell interventions and the factors driving the global growth of the 'stem cell tourism' market.

   Bauer G, et al. — Concise Review: A Comprehensive Analysis of Reported Adverse Events in Patients Receiving Unproven Stem Cell-Based Interventions. Stem Cells Transl Med, 2018.