Study: Physicians pay attention to online reviews

The vast majority of physicians proactively monitor online reviews about themselves, according to a ZocDoc survey of 360 physicians that also explored the use of practice management technology and social media.

In all, 85 percent of physicians responding said they monitored their online reviews and 36 percent looked at their competitors’ reviews. When asked to rank the fairness of online reviews on a scale of 1 to 10:

• 23 percent said they’re very fair (rating of 8-10)
• 62 percent said they’re fair (rating of 4-7)
• 15 percent said they’re not fair (rating of 1-3)

“Patients are eager to access the healthcare system in the same way they engage with their favorite consumer brands, research hotels or even book restaurants and flights, and it’s important for any physician practicing in today’s day and age to embrace this shift,” said Keri Peterson, MD, an internal medicine specialist and a ZocDoc client of three years, in a release.

In other findings, Zocdoc found that nearly 75 percent of physicians surveyed have implemented a practice management system in their office, which is higher than the 50 percent estimated by the Department of Health and Human Services, according to ZocDoc.

Also, the survey revealed that nearly one-third of patients use social media sites for health-related issues. “This represents a sizable opportunity for physicians to not only promote their practices and connect with patients, but also stay in touch with each other and share educational information,” concluded ZocDoc in the report.  

Some physicians have heeded that call for a greater social media presence, with 53 percent reporting that they have a Facebook account for their practice. Also, 34 percent use Google+, 28 percent use LinkedIn and 21 percent use Twitter. About 30 percent of physicians reported no social media presence.