4 Things to Consider Before Choosing Reputation Management Software for Your Medical Practice

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Reviews for healthcare practices are critical for attracting new patients. When a new patient begins researching where to receive care, the first step is often checking online reviews. A recent study revealed that 75% of U.S. adults review ratings of healthcare providers before visiting, and 72% only consider locations with ratings of four stars or more. Patients want social proof, whether they’re choosing a restaurant, a business, or a healthcare provider. Positive reviews reassure them that others had a good experience before entrusting their care to a new provider. This occurs on two levels: the practice level and the provider level. Let’s explore how reputation management matters for both your medical practice and individual providers. Improve Both Practice and Provider Reputations If your practice lacks reviews—or if the majority are negative—new patients are less likely to visit. Similarly, if a specific provider has few or poor reviews, patients may look...

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Reviews for healthcare practices are critical for attracting new patients. When a new patient begins researching where to receive care, the first step is often checking online reviews.

A recent study revealed that 75% of U.S. adults review ratings of healthcare providers before visiting, and 72% only consider locations with ratings of four stars or more.

Patients want social proof, whether they’re choosing a restaurant, a business, or a healthcare provider. Positive reviews reassure them that others had a good experience before entrusting their care to a new provider.

This occurs on two levels: the practice level and the provider level. Let’s explore how reputation management matters for both your medical practice and individual providers.

Improve Both Practice and Provider Reputations

If your practice lacks reviews—or if the majority are negative—new patients are less likely to visit. Similarly, if a specific provider has few or poor reviews, patients may look elsewhere. Both scenarios hinder growth.

Patients usually start by reviewing the practice’s overall rating. If it isn’t appealing, they may never check individual provider ratings. Start by improving your practice reputation first to make faster progress.

For multi-location practices, each location may have its own Google or Nextdoor listing, while your Facebook page might represent the practice as a whole. Focus on one or two listings at a time. Once practice listings are optimized, shift attention to improving provider-specific reputations.

(Good reputation management software allows you to quickly change which review options you present to patients.)

Limit review options to two at a time. Offering too many platforms can overwhelm patients, resulting in no reviews submitted.

Which two should you offer? Focus on the platforms that matter most to your practice. Are more patients likely to see your Google listing or Facebook page? Start there, then expand when ready.

For individual providers, ensure each physician has a profile on top review sites like Healthgrades and WebMD. Focus on improving these first. Concentrated efforts yield faster results.

Once all listings are optimized, you can expand review options. Patients could then have one platform requiring login (like Google or Facebook) and one without login (like Healthgrades).

What to Look for in Reputation Management Software for Medical Practices

Reputation management software simplifies the process of collecting and responding to patient reviews, freeing up your team to focus on patient care.

Here are four key elements to look for in medical-focused reputation management software:

1. Medical Focus

Some reputation management programs serve all types of businesses. The medical field has unique regulations, privacy concerns, and niche review sites.

Choose software designed specifically for medical practices and hospitals to ensure compliance and success.

2. Supports All Listings

Software should manage all locations and provider profiles in one place.

Ensure your system supports every location and provider listing in your practice.

3. Dynamic Adaptability to Patients

Mobile-friendly software should also adapt the review channel based on the patient’s device.

Dynamic platforms can adjust for iPhone, Android, or desktop users, making the review process seamless.

4. Supports Important Review Sites

Not all review sites hold equal weight. Patients trust some platforms more than others.

Choose software that supports all major review sites, like Google, Facebook, Healthgrades, and WebMD.

Best Practices of Reputation Management for Medical Practices

Once you select your reputation management software, follow these best practices to maximize results:

• Collect and verify patient contact information. Surveys can’t reach patients you can’t contact.
• Set expectations and explain the why. Let patients know they’ll receive surveys to improve care and that their feedback is valued.
• Train staff to ask for feedback. Scripts help checkout staff encourage patients to complete surveys.
• Track participation rates. If below 20%, implement strategies to increase response rates.
• Monitor negative feedback. Address common complaints proactively before they impact your reputation.
• Respond to reviews. Patients are more likely to visit practices that actively engage with feedback. Responding shows you care.
• Make the process easy. Keep surveys short and allow quick access to post reviews online.
• Ensure HIPAA compliance. Healthcare-specific software helps maintain regulatory compliance.

Help Review Sites Work for You With Reputation Management Software

Popular review platforms have significant reach, but they rely on patients submitting reviews. Reputation management software simplifies this process, making it easy and stress-free.

Simple Interact provides online reputation management software for medical practices, along with other front-office automation solutions. To learn more, visit our patient feedback and online reviews page.

Ravi Kalidindi

Ravi Kalidindi is the Founder and CEO of Simple Interact, a leading Front Office Automation company that helps healthcare facilities across the United States run more efficiently and profitably by boosting staff productivity, reducing provider burnout, and elevating the patient experience. Customers view Ravi as a trusted partner who can quickly comprehend business problems and suggest “keep it simple” solutions that are effective and easier to maintain over time.