Do Online Reviews Matter in Medicine?
Updated: Feb 7, 2022
The internet has changed the way patients find a new healthcare provider; online patient reviews have become the most popular method.
When searching the internet for information on, or about, a healthcare provider, one of the first things prospective patients will see is their Online Reviews.
Do Online Reviews Really Matter?
The answer is simple - YES.
Because of the rise of online platforms, reviews are now easily accessible to and valued by, millions of users worldwide. Not long ago, should a patient have had a bad experience with a receptionist, for example, the matter was easily dealt with by an apology or a bunch of flowers.
Now, it’s a very, very public issue. The same patient is far more likely to avoid the conversation (or complaint) in the house altogether, in favour of posting a low star rating online and/or venting in a public comment.
According to research though, 88% of people trust these anonymous online reviews as much as their known recommendations.
So, why are Online Reviews important for your business?
Reviews are now essential for a business to grow. Potential patients will now always look at Online Reviews when considering which healthcare provider to visit.
More people choose a doctor based on Online Reviews, which can either grow your practice or leave you with fewer patients than ever before. Reviews can assist patients in finding the ideal physician who meets their needs.
We have put this brief introductory guide together now to help you acquire more positive reviews for your business.
Online Reviews are not only necessary for telling stories about a particular doctor, but they also serve as a tool for elevating the marketing efforts of practice, or business.
According to data, a positive review history could introduce a new network of patients to your practice. As nearly half of respondents, (43%) would even go outside of their own insurance network for a provider with Positive Online Reviews.
In today's web-based world, nearly everyone reads Online Reviews. Indeed, 72% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Positive Reviews can help a business grow in a short period, with 58% of consumers trusting a business that has positive online reviews.
Over 70% of people have used the internet to find a local business in the last 12 months. This means simply, in today’s climate, online reviews can determine whether a business will grow or not.
According to studies, 65% of respondents said that they used their mobile device to find a business and 65% of consumers read between 2-10 reviews.
With the enormous number of review sites now accessible, and the level of faith readers are placing on them, we see that on average, 68% of women and 66% of men now consult online reviews.
Further, nearly 27% of consumers regularly use online reviews to determine which local business to use.
Research indicates that 16% of consumers said they used the internet every week to find local businesses.
One study found that only 15% of consumers said they had not used the internet to find a local business.
Online Reviews, can provide honest advice on products and services, are an effective “word-of-mouth” marketing strategy replacing traditional “Social Proof” in the new digital age.
The numbers are in and they are clear - positive reviews will benefit your business by positioning you ahead of the competition.
If you want professional help to tackle this new growth opportunity and manage your Online Reviews, YESpbm is a leader in the field. We can even help you with your personal Online Reputation Management Services.
The team of YESpbm experts will assist you at every stage of your business, from unfair negative review removal to spreading your message and great reputation, through Online Reviews. Why not reach out now for a free and confidential consultation?