Online Medical Reviews Few, but Impactful, Says Study
In an age when terms like cyberchondria are becoming commonplace, it probably comes as no surprise that 50% of patients look up their medical providers online before seeking treatment and 40% use physician review websites. What may be surprising, however, are the findings of a new study conducted by Loyola University Medical Center that reveal most medical providers only have an average of 2.4 online reviews.
The study analyzed a random selection of 500 of the nation’s 9,940 urologists. The number of patient reviews left for these practitioners ranged from zero to 64 reviews, but the average was a shocking 2.4 reviews. With so many people flocking to the internet for educational information, it is truly surprising to the Account Managers here at McCauley Marketing Services that more patients wouldn’t contribute their two cents. This study, combined with ever-changing HIPAA laws further emphasizes the need for physicians to take the initiative to ensure that they are portrayed as accurately and positively as possible for their growing online patient base.
Among the most popular healthcare review sites, Healthgrades displays reviews on 54% of the nation’s medical providers, Vitals displays 45%, and Avvo displays 39%. Like other directory sites, these review sites may have profiles for providers that the providers themselves may not be aware of. McCauley Services’ comprehensive reputation management services make sure that the information displayed on a client’s behalf is accurate and complete. Additionally, McCauley’s regular crisis communication checks are designed to quickly resolve any negative PR issues for the patient and provider’s best interests.
Though the field of reputation management continues to grow with the expansion of digital medical content, McCauley Marketing Services’ President, Beth McCauley, cautions clients about putting too much emphasis on digital marketing, “We rely so heavily on information online that it’s easy for medical marketing clients to forget that patient care should remain the priority. If they’re providing exceptional care and making patients happy, it makes the elected marketing strategies that much more effective.”
To learn more about how McCauley Marketing Services’ reputation management and public relations services can help better your business, visit our website today. To read the latest marketing and advertising news, connect with McCauley on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.