Type your doctor's name, then write in your comments on RateMDs.com. DrScore.com lets your grade your physician, while Vitals.com links you to other sites to check for lawsuits and medical board complaints.

Type your doctor's name, then write in your comments on RateMDs.com.

"We think informed patients, informed consumers, is always a good thing," said Dr. Lawrence Friedman, Medical Director for Patient Safety at the University of California San Diego.

But Dr. Friedman says consider the source when evaluating patient reviews  on these web sites. You'll find good, bad and even indifferent comments from patients about their experience.

Advocates say doctors should be rated on customer service, while critics argue one or two disgruntled patients shouldn't be allowed to tarnish a doctor's reputation.

Either way it seems, patients want to be heard, as dozens if these Web sites are now popping up.

"It's common sense to what it is your looking at and how much you think you can trust that information," said Dr. Friedman.

The American Medical Association says negative comments and ratings might be based on things that are completely out of a doctor's control. For example, a patient upset because an insurance claim is denied, so don't take everything at face value.