To quell criticism, some doctors require patients to sign 'gag orders'

As doctor rating sites proliferate, questions about their usefulness, accuracy, and fairness are intensifying. As a defensive measure, some physicians are requiring patients to sign broad agreements that prohibit online postings or commentary in any media outlet "without prior written consent." Many experts say these "gag orders" are both unethical and unenforceable, but an increasing number of doctors view them as an appropriate response to the sites.