Are You Allowed to Review your Doctor Online?
Have you been to the doctor lately? Did you pay attention to any “Mutual Privacy” forms you may have signed?
Last week, I discovered that there are companies now helping doctors squash patients’ online reviews. Specifically, patients are asked to sign a privacy form stating that they agree not to post anything about their doctor online without the doctor’s permission.
Anti-Social Efforts
I did some homework and discovered one of the most well-orchestrated anti-social networking efforts to date. It’s apparent that physicians have been painted into such a litigious corner that they view social networking and online ratings as a threat rather than an opportunity. So much so, that entire companies have been formed to help squash patients’ online reviews.
One such company is called Medical Justice, founded by Neurosurgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Segal. Do these doctors really think they can intimidate their patients into not sharing their experience with others? What about if the patient’s experience was terrific and they wanted to share THAT?!
A quote from the Medical Justice site:
“When first seen, elective patients are asked to sign an agreement of mutual privacy. Patients agree not to post about their doctor on the Web without the doctor’s permission. Patients are free to discuss their care with other doctors, family, friends, licensing boards, attorneys, and any number of institutions. In exchange, physicians grant additional privacy protections to patients above and beyond those mandated by law.”
Hmmm…so if I have a really fantastic experience at a doctor’s office, I need his permission before I can share that experience online? If the doctor was rude, condescending and two hours late I can only share that with “approved” parties? Since when does anyone need permission to participate in online communities?
Smart Research
As with any social networking sites and online ratings, there are certainly the “crazies” who will deliberately pull out all the stops to try to trash a doctor through harsh words and even fabrications. However, consumers conducting research (in this case, patients) are smarter than that. They learn to spot a disgruntled person and discount their review. Smart researchers are also going to base their decision on much more than online reviews. They’ll seek out information about the doctor’s education, years of practice and hospital affiliations — all provided by sites such as Vitals.com and DrScore.com.
Word of Mouth is Everything
Social networking is all about sharing experiences and information. Doctors should know better than anyone that word of mouth is critical with high-risk decisions. They’ll need to embrace their patient’s feedback and do what they can to earn–and even solicit–positive doctor reviews.
Sound Advice for Physicians
EmaxHealth outlines specifically What Doctors Can Do To Earn Positive Reviews and encourages doctors not to shy away from the online community. The theme of Emax Health’s advice? Focus on adding value to the patient’s search and review comments with an open mind to improve their patients’ experience.
