Top 8 Ways to Get Patient Reviews

Help your patients leave reviews with these easy methods.

Self-help author and a motivational speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer once said, “Your reputation is in the hands of others.” This sentiment is nowhere truer than in the field of medicine. A practitioner’s reputation is one of the biggest components to the success of his/her practice. And one way you can ensure the reputation remains stellar is through patient reviews.

The Importance of Patient Reviews

There is an old saying, “Why brag when you can have someone to do it for you?” A good patient review can be a powerful marketing tool for your practice because it positively highlights your skills and services without you having to toot your own horn. A 2020 survey conducted by BrightLocal states 87% of consumers are now reading online reviews for local businesses. But before you ask for a review, it’s important you consider the following:

• Choose review sites carefully. Ask patients which sites they use and check which site your competitors use.
• Don’t post all your reviews to third-party sites. The third-party sites and the patients themselves own those reviews, so it’s important to gather some yourself to use on your website or marketing materials.  
• Always maintain HIPAA compliance. Only use testimonials or reviews with the patient’s express consent and don’t reveal any personal information, including the patient’s name, unless they have given permission to do so.

How to Get More Patient Reviews

One way to ensure you get more patient reviews is by making certain that patients can find your practice. Set up a profile with Google My Business or other popular sites where patients can leave reviews such as Yelp, Facebook, Angie’s List, etc.  Also, Healthy Hearing is a great place to get reviews for your practice. Consumers don’t need to have a membership or a log-in as they do with the other popular sites mentioned above.

Once your patients have somewhere to go to post a review, all you have to do is ask. If the thought of coming up with ways to ask your patients to leave a review makes your palms clammy, don’t worry…these 8 sure-fire techniques are easy to employ and will assist you in getting more reviews.

1. Ask During the Appointment

A great time to ask is when you have the patient right there in the office. According to BrightLocal, 7 out of 10 people will provide an online review if asked. Two great segues to ask are when you are receiving praise from a patient and inquiring about their experience. 

At the end of the patient’s visit, “Were you able to easily schedule your appointment today?” or “Have I addressed all of your concerns?” If the feedback is positive, ask them to share their experience with others by writing a review. It is equally important to take note of any negative feedback and be sure to address any pain points your patient’s may have for an improved experience for them in the future.

2. Automated Emails

A carefully worded review request sent through an automated platform such as MailChimp can save time and be equally as effective as an individual email. It’s helpful to use a series of emails to ask patients to leave reviews, to be sure the message is received. Remember to personalize these emails to ensure the best response from your patients. Use the patient’s first name, thank them for their first visit or repeat visit, and ask about their experience.

Include a link in the email that will take them directly to your own review page on your website, or a third-party site such as Facebook. Make sure to include any instructions and that they’re easy to follow. You can also include an example review to guide patients. Some people want to leave a review, but simply don’t know what to say.

3. Appointment Cards

Patients usually will place an appointment card on a desk or refrigerator where the card will be frequently seen. Therefore, an appointment card is a great place to ask for a review. Make sure to include the link where you would like them to leave the review and that the link is active for as long as you use the cards.

4. Phone Call 

If you use a CMS to confirm or change appointments, you can also use this time to ask patients for reviews. Be sure to include a short phrase to direct patients to a landing page on your website or a third-party site. 

5. On Your Website

Add a landing page specifically for reviews. You can place a call to action on your most frequented page that will lead the patient to your reviews landing page or a third-party site should you choose not to add a landing page to your site. 

6. Text Message

Did you know the open rate of text messages is 98%? Like an email, a carefully crafted text message can convince a patient to leave a review and there’s a whopping high likelihood that your patient will open and read it!

7. Social Media

Social Media platforms, such as Facebook, are a great place to connect with your patients. It’s also great for asking your patients to leave a review. You can ask them to leave it on your Facebook page or on your website, which will enable you to use it for marketing purposes.

8. Promotional Materials

When creating the pens, magnets, notepads, cups and other promotional materials for your practice, think about adding a short statement such as, “Tell us about your visit!” or a direct request, “Please leave us a review.” Promotional items tend to have more longevity, which makes them a great way to ask for a review.

Word of mouth is a precious commodity. Remember, as you focus on providing quality care to your patients, ask them to provide a review of your practice.