How Google Reviews Shape Doctor Choice: Influence and Implications for Patients?

In the era of digitalization and innovation, Google reviews occupy an increasingly important place in the daily lives of doctors, although few of them choose to actively engage in this online communication.

Indeed, constrained by obstacles such as lack of time, tools and knowledge in patient experience management.

In this article, we will shed light on the value of knowing how to manage online reviews and explore how their influence can have implications for patient opinion .

Online reviews: a necessity for patients?

The golden rule to follow is that no opinion is negative, there are only constructive comments to authenticate the relationship between doctor and patient. That is to say, communication is the key.

When your patients go online to look for reviews, they want reassurance!

In fact, it is estimated that 77% of patients trust the reviews and ratings on the Google My Business page of healthcare professionals, and that one in two patients would not consider consulting a practitioner with a rating lower than 3.

Additionally, how you collect online reviews and how you go about fixing your online reputation speaks volumes about your ability to listen to your patients and let them have their say.

Negative Google Reviews: A Barrier to Making Appointments?

Online reviews play a crucial role in patient decision-making, as they provide insight into other people's experiences, thereby influencing perceptions of the quality of care.

Positive reviews can build trust in a doctor, while negative reviews can create doubts.

In addition, the ease of access to this information on platforms such as Google or specialized sites makes it a powerful tool for guiding patients' choices, thus creating a dynamic where digital reputation becomes a key factor in the healthcare sector.

According to ReviewTrackers, 94% of patients say online reviews influence their choice of healthcare provider (ReviewTrackers, 2019).

It seems really useful to analyze the feedback to identify recurring themes and areas for improvement, as well as to respond to these opinions with empathy and professionalism, something that shows patients that their concerns are taken seriously, thus reinforcing their trust and their desire to participate in constructive comments.

By proactively responding to reviews, you show patients that their opinions matter. A Harvard Business Review study indicates that companies that respond to negative reviews see a 30% improvement in their reputation (Harvard Business Review, 2019).

But again, keep in mind that receiving negative patient reviews is not necessarily representative of your practices, you can nevertheless trust the common sense of your patients because by adopting a proactive and empathetic approach to criticism, you can transform negative experiences into opportunities for growth.

Don’t wait any longer, let your patients express themselves!

Contact us today at or write to us at infos@monexpe.com to find out how we can turn your patient relationship into a strategic asset!

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Sources:

• ReviewTrackers (2019) - Reports that 94% of patients say online reviews influence their choice of healthcare provider.

• Harvard Business Review (2019) - Mentions that companies that respond to negative reviews see a 30% improvement in their reputation.

• BMC Health Services Research (2017) - Study on the impact of review responses on patient satisfaction.

• Patient Engagement HIT (2020) - Survey of patients' trust in practitioners who respond to their feedback.