by Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List

Happy New year! At Angie's List, that means it's time for the Super Service Award, an annual honor we traditionally have bestowed upon contractors who give members outstanding help around their homes. For the first time this year, we're also welcoming health care providers to our elite group of SSA winners.

When we began accepting reviews on health care providers in 2008, members embraced the idea, saying it would keep doctors, dentists and others in the health and wellness industry on their toes. One Indianapolis member told us she felt our health reviews would give consumers a sense of empowerment to advocate for their own health care.

As the number of reports continues to grow, we're proud to begin honoring health care providers in 19 categories, including primary care, pediatrics, OB-GYN, dentistry, eye care, dermatology, chiropractic care and massage therapy.

Delivering the news that providers have won this award is one of the high points of my year because I know how much it means to them. To qualify, providers must meet some very tough criteria: Among other things, they must have a recent and overall grade of A and be in good standing with Angie's List.

Only about 5 percent of the companies and health care providers on the List earn this recognition. SSA eligibility is also among the criteria for being selected as one of the "Best Contractors" featured in this issue of the magazine each year.

Both of these honors are difficult to win, and they're just two of the many reasons we encourage you to submit reports.

When you have great experiences - whether it's with a primary care doctor who has an excellent bedside manner or a remodeler who transformed your kitchen into a cozy gathering place - members want to hear about them so they, too, can enjoy the same outstanding service. Getting superior service from providers is what members have come to expect.

To help you easily find these exceptional providers, we've added a "Super Service" logo next to each of the winning company names on angieslist.com.

You can even refine your search results to display only SSA winners by selecting "Super Service Award" in the "Honors" section. You can also see the SSA logo displayed on their provider profile and in advertisements in this magazine beginning in March.

In addition, you'll find the 2011 logo proudly displayed on service trucks. We also encourage winners to post the logo on their website, business cards, invoices, employee uniforms and on awnings, windows and signs at their place of business.

Of course, the award is based on the company's or health care provider's level of service (or care) in the past year. Because a provider's rating can change, you should always check the most recent reviews before you hire.