A new study by Rater8, a healthcare reputation management leader, reveals the growing importance of online reviews in patients’ healthcare decisions. The report, titled “How Patients Choose Their Doctors,” surveyed over a thousand U.S. patients aged 18 to 60+ and found that online reviews are now as influential as personal recommendations when selecting new healthcare providers.

The survey highlights that 84% of patients consult online reviews before choosing a new doctor. More than half (51%) read at least six reviews before making a decision. Furthermore, 40% of patients admitted that reviews have led them to reconsider or cancel appointments, demonstrating the substantial impact of online feedback on care plans.

Despite the critical role reviews play in decision-making, the study also uncovered a significant gap: 57% of patients rarely or never leave reviews for their healthcare providers. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for healthcare practices.

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Key Findings:

  • Changing Providers: Over a quarter (26%) of patients are considering switching providers this year, indicating a willingness to seek care elsewhere if their needs aren’t met.
  • Online Reviews vs. Personal Recommendations: A majority (61%) of patients stated that negative online reviews could outweigh personal recommendations, emphasizing the increasing dominance of online opinions.
  • Ease of Switching: Patients find it easiest to switch primary care providers (64%) compared to specialists like dermatologists (32%) or ophthalmologists (22%).
  • Doctor Engagement: Almost half (45%) of patients are influenced by whether doctors respond to online reviews, highlighting the importance of active engagement and reputation management.
  • The Power of Asking: Simply requesting a review can be effective, as only 26% of patients are unlikely to leave a review if their provider asks.
  • Timing Matters: Prompting patients for reviews immediately after a visit significantly increases the likelihood of them leaving feedback, with 47% of patients most likely to provide a review within a day of their appointment.

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FAQs

1. How important are online reviews in healthcare decision-making?

Online reviews are crucial in healthcare decision-making. 84% of patients check reviews before choosing a provider, and 40% change their care plans based on negative reviews.

2. How can healthcare providers improve their online reputation?

Providers can improve their online reputation by using tools like rater8, which automates review requests and helps manage feedback across major review platforms.

3. What benefits does rater8 offer for healthcare reputation management?

rater8 offers automated review collection, real-time patient feedback, and benchmarking tools to help healthcare providers build a strong online reputation and improve operational efficiency.

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Conclusion

rater8’s “How Patients Choose Their Doctors” report underscores the evolution of patient expectations The report highlights the pivotal role of online reviews in healthcare decisions. In a landscape where online recommendations hold significant sway, healthcare providers must prioritize actively engaging with online reviews to ensure continued success. Despite their influence, many patients rarely leave reviews. The study underscores the importance of healthcare providers actively managing their online reputation by soliciting and responding to reviews, which can significantly impact patient acquisition and retention. By leveraging tools like rater8, practices can automate review collection and enhance their online presence effectively.

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