Leading Doctor Evaluation Web Site Sees Surge in Users Performing Online "Background Checks" on Surgeon General-Designate

LYNDHURST, N.J., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Vitals (www.vitals.com), the nation's leading doctor evaluation web site reported today that 10,000 Americans have visited the web site during the early weeks of 2009 to perform "background checks" on Dr. Sanjay Gupta. The sudden spike in traffic to Gupta's profile, located at http://www.vitals.com/doctor/profile/1760499529, occurred following the recent groundswell of publicity surrounding the potential appointment of Gupta as the next surgeon general of the United States.

"Since the media buzz began surrounding his potential appointment as surgeon general, the number of site visitors performing 'background checks' on Dr. Gupta skyrocketed from zero to 10,000 - and counting. Regardless of their leanings, it is clear that many Americans are doing their homework and giving Dr. Gupta a 'check up,'" said Mitch Rothschild, CEO of Vitals.

Vitals (www.vitals.com) provides comprehensive evaluations of the more than 720,000 doctors across the United States (criteria gathered from multiple sources including peer evaluations and patient feedback). The site's evaluation of Dr. Gupta notes the following:

• Top scores for promptness, bedside manner and accurate diagnosis

• High scores for education: University of Michigan Medical School (Top 25% percentile)

• Strong scores for hospital affiliation: Emory University Hospital (25% percentile) and Grady Memorial Hospital (50% percentile)

About Vitals / MDX Medical Inc.

Vitals (www.vitals.com), an innovative, online doctor evaluation and comparison service from MDX Medical Inc., is the comprehensive source for crucial information, peer evaluations and patient feedback on more than 720,000 doctors nationwide. Providing a free web-based service, Vitals has a revenue model similar to other search engines, including highly targeted advertising on its site.

SOURCE Vitals