How to Ask Patients for Reviews in Person
As healthcare professionals, you want to deliver the best care possible for your patients. But how do you know what’s truely standing out in their minds?
The answer lies in patient reviews.
The importance of online reviews for your practice can’t be overemphasized. Patient reviews provide valuable feedback that can help you improve your practice and gain more patients.
A recent study showed that about 84% of patients trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
However, asking patients for reviews can be tricky. It’s important to ensure the process is done in a way that doesn’t feel intrusive or uncomfortable.
In this article, we will look at 10 easy ways to ask patients for reviews so you can get honest feedback while still delivering an excellent experience.
10 Easy Ways to Ask Patients for Reviews
- Send review request emails
- Send SMS with direct review links
- Print on appointment cards
- Ask right after the appointment
- Use social media to ask
- Create a review page on your website
- Use DemandHub platform
- Use postcards for reviews
- Ask via phone calls
- Put your review link on your business card
1. Send Review Request Emails
Targeted emails are very effective for getting patient reviews. Plus, it requires only a fraction of the time to set up.
For maximum efficacy, it’s best to send a series of personalized emails requesting reviews. In each email, address the patient by name, thank them for their first or repeat visit, and ask about their experience.
Include a link in the email that directs patients directly to your review page or any third-party review site. Not only will this help you receive reviews on other sites, but it can also make your website more visible online!
2. Send SMS with Direct Review Links
If you don’t have the email addresses of your patients, then SMS can be a great alternative. They are the most direct way of asking for patient reviews, as their effectiveness is unaffected by spam filters or delivery times.
Plus, it’s quick and easy to set up. DemandHub is a patient satisfaction platform that allows you to send automated review invites through text messages to patients.
When sending text, keep your message brief. Includes a direct link to where patients can go and leave their reviews. The best time to send a text is right after their appointment. That way, they will be more likely to leave a review because their experience will be fresh in their minds.
3. Print Review links on Appointment Cards
Appointment cards are tangible and handy. Patients can pin them on their calendars, on their refrigerators, or at their office desks.
Printing review links or QR codes on appointment cards is a good way to remind patients to leave a review. Since patients keep them and put them in visible places, this is an ideal place to put a review reminder.
Keep your link active and functional on appointment cards to ensure successful review acquisition. If you need to redirect the link or direct it toward another review site, update it on the printed version ASAP.
While handling the card, point out the link and ask the patient for a review to ensure they don’t overlook it.
4. Ask Right After the Appointment
Asking patients for reviews right after their visit is another way to ensure they don’t forget to leave one.
As soon as you have finished your patient’s appointment, take some time to ask them about their experience and if they would be willing to share it with others.
This is when the patient will recall their experience clearly and know how satisfied they were. Since people tend to be more inclined to spread positive experiences and reviews, this could work in your favor.
Also, if you offer something of value in exchange for a review (such as discounts or free services), remind them of it when asking.
5. Utilize Social Media
Social media is one of the most powerful tools in digital marketing today. It is a great way to get patient reviews that can reach a larger audience. It also allows you to reach out directly to your followers and engage with potential patients who may not yet be familiar with your practice.
Use popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These platforms are incredibly user-friendly, and patients find the process easy and hassle-free.
Encourage patients to leave a review on their accounts and let them tag your practice in their review posts.
Create an engaging post that links to your website review page or preferred review site. Ask for feedback on what they love about your practice and what they expect from you, and ask to share their experience. Test out different days and times to see when you receive the most engagement. Don’t hesitate to post this more often.
Take advantage of the Facebook business page. It has a built in ratings and reviews feature. When a patient leaves a review, the post will be shared with your followers, making it easier for you to build your online reputation and attract more patients.
You can also use social media as a platform for responding to reviews. Show your appreciation for those who have given positive feedback.
Also, address any concerns voiced in the negative reviews promptly and professionally. This will show potential patients that you truly care about your patients’ experience and value their opinion.
6. Create a Review Page on Your Website
Creating a page specifically for reviews on your website is an effective way to get patient reviews.
Ensure the page is prominently visible, easy to access, and secure (encrypted). Include review submission forms, star ratings, and reviews from your patients on your website. Showcasing the experiences of previous patients encourages potential ones to book an appointment with you.
Incorporate strategic calls to action or CTA onto the most popular pages on your website — it can be a banner, sidebar, or middle section of the web page. The CTAs should direct visitors to an internal landing page or an external third-party review site with a clear and concise copy!
7. Use DemandHub Platform
Providing excellent patient experience and getting more positive reviews are essential for the growth of your practice.
If you’re looking for a stress-free and easy way to get dental reviews, you should consider using a patient review software like DemandHub.
DemandHub is an all-in-one reputation management software that can get you more positive reviews and manage your online reputation. It can help you get reviews from your patients without asking them directly and keep track of your online reputation.
With DemandHub, you can also get alerted when someone leaves a review about your practice. This makes it easy to respond to any feedback quickly and effectively.
Our mission is to help local clinics prosper by streamlining communication with their patients. With DemandHub’s modern messaging capabilities, you can text review links directly to patients and enable them to post a review in just 30 seconds or less – all with just a few clicks.
8. Use Postcards for Reviews
Like appointment cards, postcards can be a truly effective way to solicit reviews. If you are sending out paper appointment reminders, holiday cards, news updates, or anything else — don’t forget to add a link directing your patient toward the review page!
And, of course, remember to thank them for their unwavering trust in your office’s care.
9. Ask for Reviews Via Phone Call
Calling patients for appointments, updates, and data confirmation is common among doctors. It’s also an excellent opportunity to ask patients for reviews.
To conclude your phone call, include a concise phrase that invites patients to check out your website’s page or an external site for reviews.
When you deliver exceptional care, and your patient shows gratitude, take advantage of the moment and ask them to leave a review.
“We’re delighted to assist you today and sincerely thank you for your business. We’d be grateful if you could share your experience on [review platform of choice]. Your feedback is the perfect way for others to see that they’ll receive the help they need when any issues arise with our services. Patients’ testimonials, of course, are the best way to show that.”
You’ll make your patients feel appreciated and valued by expressing your gratitude to your patients. This will boost patient loyalty and increase the likelihood of a positive review from them.
Also, record in your CRM or call system any patient who has already posted reviews so that you do not repeat requests for feedback.
10. Put Your Review Link on Your Business Card
You can also send your patients to review sites by placing the link on your business card.
Every time you hand out your business card, you have an opportunity to get a new review. Ensure the link is short and easy to type so they can review you on the go.
You can even create a QR code for the review link and place it on your business card, so your patients can scan it with their mobile and leave a review.
The easier it is for them to leave a review for your dental practice, the more positive reviews you’re likely to get.
What general guidelines to follow for sending SMS or Emails to your patients?
Although patient messaging can help your practice, there are some guidelines you must follow before jumping onto this strategy:
- The privacy of your patients should always be at the forefront of your mind when sending them messages. Use secure messaging platforms to keep doctor-patient-staff communication confidential.
- Not everyone loves texting, especially older patients. So be sure to give your patients a choice to indicate their preferred communication method (text, email, phone calls, etc.). Providing options to your patients can guarantee a positive and seamless patient experience.
- Primary care physicians must receive written consent before patient texting begins; verbal consent is not enough.
- Message templates used should never appear to come from a doctor or nurse. Always make it clear that the message is coming from your office.
- Be sure to keep patient data secure when texting or emailing them. Use end-to-end encryption for added security.
- Ensure your patient messaging system complies with relevant regulations (such as HIPAA compliance)
By following these general guidelines, you can ensure that your patient messaging efforts are secure and successful. Whether promoting health tips or asking for reviews, patient communication can be a powerful tool to elevate the patient experience.
Conclusion
Asking your patients for reviews doesn’t have to be a daunting task. There are dozens of ways to make it easier and more enjoyable, like using dental review software or putting the link on your business or appointment card.
When implemented strategically, these methods will help you gain more positive reviews and enhance your reputation in the digital landscape.
Although it does not matter which strategy you choose, remember that your patients are very busy. You might need to ask them more than once.
Thank your patients for taking the time out of their day to leave the review. Protect their privacy and ask nicely; many patients will be happy to give you feedback!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Patient Reviews
Why should healthcare providers ask for patient reviews?
Patient reviews provide valuable feedback for healthcare providers, allowing them to understand their strengths and areas of improvement. Additionally, positive reviews can enhance a provider’s reputation, acting as a magnet for prospective patients.
How should healthcare providers ask for patient reviews?
Providers can ask for reviews respectfully and non-intrusively. It could usually be at the end of a visit or through a follow-up email or text message. Explain to your patients how their feedback can help improve their services. Reassure them that their personal health information will remain confidential.
What can healthcare providers do to encourage more patient reviews?
To encourage more reviews, make the review process easy and accessible. Provide a direct review link to the review platform. Also, let patients know how much you appreciate their feedback.
What should you ask a patient?
When asking for a review, ask about their overall experience and if they were happy with the care they received. You can also ask if they have any suggestions for improvement. Let them know you value their feedback and will use it to improve patient care.
What is a patient review?
A patient review is a patient’s feedback about their experience with a healthcare provider or facility. Reviews can cover various aspects, such as the quality of care, the staff’s professionalism, the facility’s cleanliness, and the overall patient experience.
How do I get a Google review from a patient?
To get a Google review from a patient, ask them directly, preferably after they’ve had a positive experience. Provide them with a direct Google review link that takes them straight to your Google review page to make the process easier. Remember to thank them for their time and feedback.
