Count On Coffey

Shaping patient choices

Trends over the past few years indicate that physician reviews and ratings on websites have become a significant factor in healthcare decision-making.

According to recent data:

• Approximately 73% of patients rely on online reviews to assess doctors, which underscores the importance of these platforms in healthcare decisions.
• Additionally, about 72% of patients use reviews as the first step in finding a new doctor.
• Provider response to reviews is important too—66% of respondents look for how reviews have been addressed online.

Reviews influence your consumers

Rising healthcare costs have made patients more discerning in their choices, motivating them to shop around for care that offers the best value and experience. Social media platforms have become influential, especially among younger consumers, for sharing healthcare experiences and opinions.

Google has emerged as the primary platform for finding and evaluating healthcare providers, with over 60% of organic searches leading to direct conversions. This underscores the necessity for healthcare organizations to optimize their online presence, particularly their Google Business Profiles, to meet the evolving needs of patients seeking information and making healthcare decisions in the digital age.

What are the best ways to help improve your provider reviews and ratings? There are a few:

• Create original content. Use blogs and social media to establish your presence across various platforms.  
• Maintain an active social media presence. Regularly engage with followers to build trust and credibility.  
• Respond promptly to reviews. Address both positive and negative feedback quickly; among frequent users of provider ratings, 57% chose not to see a provider due to poor reviews.
• Address patient concerns proactively. Identify unhappy patients early and resolve issues with the patient before they leave your office.
• Highlight positive ratings. Feature high ratings prominently on your website and directories.
• Encourage patient reviews. Utilize marketing tools like posters and follow-up communications to remind satisfied patients to share their experiences.
• Conduct internal surveys. Gather targeted feedback through your own surveys, ensuring follow-up and problem-solving strategies are in place.

With consumers increasingly relying on online information for healthcare decisions, it is essential for providers to monitor their online ratings actively and address poor reviews swiftly.

By implementing these strategies, healthcare organizations can enhance their reputations and make sure that positive experiences outweigh negative ones.

Categories: Digital services