Why are highly rated specialists important?

Specialists are doctors who have advanced education and training in a specific area of medicine, such as cardiology or pediatrics. Specialists and their staff are a big part of your experience with a health plan. It is important for you and your specialist to develop a trusting relationship to discuss your health, understand your health care options and sometimes work with you to make difficult decisions about your overall well-being.

How can health plans make sure they provide highly rated specialists?

When members give their specialists high ratings, it means the plan has specialists and staff who listen to you, explain things clearly, and treat you with respect. Health plans whose specialists are highly rated by their patients make sure that:

• You aren’t rushed during your specialist visit — you have enough time to talk through your questions and health care concerns
• Specialists are respectful and pay close attention to your question and health care concerns
• Specialists talk through your treatment options with you
• Your health records are immediately available to other doctors and providers who are caring for you
• You and your specialists make decisions together about your health

What do the stars mean?

The star ratings tell you how well members rated their experience with their specialists during 2023. The stars show the percentage of health plan members who gave the plan a score of 9 or 10 on a 0 to 10 scale.

The stars are based on information from a survey of a sample of at least 100 health plan members in 2023.