Online reviews matter more than ever before, as patients turn to the internet to find the best doctor or specialist available. As a result, more practices are concerned about becoming a 5-star reviewed practice. How can you boost your online ratings and get an A+ rating across the web? It’ll take some elbow grease!
Know What Affects Ratings
First, you need to understand what affects patient ratings online. While some people will leave vindictive negative reviews, the vast majority of practice reviews left online are honest and reflect patient experience. That means that the best way to improve your online reviews is not necessarily only asking patients with great experiences to leave them, but instead to focus on improving patient experience across your practice.
Keep it Face to Face
When entering a room, always sit down facing the patient. Sitting in front of a patient, instead of standing up or rummaging around the room, improves patient perception of how much attention you are paying them. Studies have found that patients whose doctors sit in front of them to discuss their issue perceive that their doctor paid more attention and that the appointment lasted longer.
Ask for Feedback
If you only have a handful of reviews online, a single1-star or 2-star review could majorly impact your rating. To be a 5-star reviewed practice, you should focus on getting as many reviews as possible. Ask patients for reviews on a consistent basis as they leave appointments, in follow-up emails and even via text message. The more that patients are asked, the higher the likelihood that they will leave a review. You should also follow up with negative reviews when they are left. Don’t ask the reviewer to take down the review. Instead, you should learn more about the negative experience and work to make it right.
Thank Your Patients
When was the last time you thanked a patient for coming into your practice and giving you business? What about the last time you thanked a patient for proactively getting a flu shot or preventative procedure? One study found that thanking patients at the end of the appointment moved the average rating from 3 stars to 4.5-5 stars. Even more profoundly, the majority of patients specifically mentioned the “thank you” message and how it was different from experiences at other practices.
Get a 5-Star Reviewed Practice with Vetters Enterprises
Vetters Enterprises specializes in practice management, private practice business support