All of us need to be asking for online reviews from our patients. Why?
Online reviews are crucial to the success of every marketing plan and your next patient expects to find credible reviews online to help them make the decision of becoming your patient.
While somewhat awkward and more difficult in the past, requesting a review can be easy.
This post corresponds to our latest podcast episode of “Russ and Randy” – a podcast on Healthcare and Medical Internet Marketing. We hope you like “Asking Your Patients for Online Reviews.” You can find us on iTunes …and now, ReachMD.com!
Patients are usually too happy to help their doctor in any way they can…especially when sharing their opinion. Here are some tips Russ and I use to garner online reviews.
Who to Ask for Online Reviews
First and foremost, choose to ask happy patients. Happy patients are usually too willing to recommend their doctor. Happy patients are motivated.
You may also consider asking family members (e.g. children of older patients, parents of pediatric patients – as in Russ’ case).
Check Out Counter
Russ likes to walk his patients to the check out counter. He describes an ingenious process where positive and negative comments are written in a journal. This is done while the patient can witness the process…it heightens validation and appreciation.
Happy patients can be culled from this process. Ask them verbally for an online review, or hand them a “Survey Reminder Card” (see below).
Asking at checkout is also a great way to insure your patient has had a great experience with the entire appointment and not just the doctor-patient encounter.
Russ likes to ask his patients’ parents just after a successful surgery.
Personal Request
Most of us can easily identify happy patients. After several visits, including post-op visits, I will personally ask a patient to share a review online. I don’t think I’ve ever been denied.
I will usually request an email address and follow up with an email containing a link(s) where a patient can leave a reviews. The simpler the process, the more likely you’ll succeed.
I have an online assistant. She (Chrissy) handles all my logistics from patients who find me online. We keep track of these patients. Chrissy will often follow up with an email requesting a review.
Keep it Simple
The simpler the process for a patient to leave a review, the more likely you’ll be rewarded.
Sending an email with a link(s) or handing a pre-printed card with links for reviews is very helpful for patients. It also allows you, the practitioner, to channel your reviews (e.g. I love to channel my reviews to Google).
Reminder cards can be printed. We recommend providing 1-2 choices for reviews to keep things simple. Healthgrades has customized Survey Reminder Cards.
Whatever your method, keep within your comfort zone. Russ and I share these tips which work for us…you’ll develop your strategy and comfort level.
Good luck!
See you next week!
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Russ…and Randy
Healthcare and Medical Internet Marketing
Healthcare’s Rx for Web and Social