Google Reviews for Doctors: A Guide for Doctors and Patients

Google reviews for doctors are a way to get new patients, to understand what it’s like to walk through their doors, talk to their staff, and get care. 

These are digital word of mouth, building trust, or raising questions based on past patient experiences. 

When choosing a doctor people use these reviews just like they would a restaurant to feel they’ve made the right choice. 

If you want to boost your online presence SidesMedia can help you buy real Google reviews to add an extra layer of credibility to your practice. 

With good reviews, doctors can build a stronger digital presence and attract new patients who are looking for trusted and reviewed practices. 

Google Reviews for Doctors: Why Do They Matter?

reviews for doctors

Google reviews are simple and important for the online reputation of a medical practice. Patients leave patient feedback as a star rating and a few words about their experience. 

They appear on your Google Business Profile and give potential patients an easy way to get a feel for your medical practice. 

For doctors it’s not just about collecting patient reviews  –  it’s about managing Google reviews and responding to them wisely. 

Positive Google reviews build trust with prospective patients and constructive feedback is a valuable tool to improve.

We’ll weave in specific strategies for doctors, examples, tips, and a few stats. 

Let’s see why these Google reviews for doctors matter, how they impact medical practice, and practical advice for doctors to build a strong online reputation.

How to Get More Positive Reviews?

Positive Google reviews are gold for all medical practices. 

They bring in new patients, improve your Google reviews ranking, and establish you as a trusted provider. 

For patients seeing a doctor with high ratings before they even step into the clinic gives them a sense of trust before they even get in the door.

To start building your positive review base consider buying Google reviews as an initial boost. 

We provide real, authentic Google reviews and quality online reviews to help establish a foundation of trust and visibility on Google and then your practice can attract more patient reviews. 

With a positive base already in place patients are more likely to add to an already strong reputation.

In addition to using SidesMedia, doctors who ask patients directly often see more reviews. 

Here are some other ways to build on that:

  • Ask In-Person: After a great appointment consider asking patients to share their experiences, with Google reviews. This personal ask feels real and appreciated.
  • Send a Follow-Up Email: A quick, friendly follow-up email with a link to your Google reviews page can prompt feedback while the experience is still top of mind.
  • Provide a QR Code: Placing a QR code in your office or waiting area that links to your review page is an easy way for patients to leave Google reviews as they leave the clinic.
  • Use Patient Portals: If you have a patient portal use it to send review requests. Patients are used to getting updates through the portal and may be more likely to respond.
  • Include a Thank-You Card: Sending a thank-you card or message after an appointment with a link or QR code for online reviews adds a nice touch and may prompt patients to leave Google reviews.

Combined these will build a strong profile that attracts new patients and reassures them they’re choosing a trusted and caring healthcare provider.

Examples of Positive Reviews Patients Might Leave:

  • “The doctor took the time to listen to all my concerns, and I never felt rushed.”
  • “Friendly staff and a clean office – felt comfortable the whole time.”
  • “The doctor explained everything clearly, making my diagnosis much less scary.”
  • “Scheduling was easy, and I didn’t have to wait long at all.”
  • “I’m so happy I found this doctor; they genuinely care about their patients.”
  • “Follow-up was great. I got a call to check on me after the appointment.”
  • “Great experience from check-in to check-out.”
  • “Very knowledgeable and approachable, would definitely recommend.”
  • “Answered all my questions patiently.”
  • “Staff was polite, and the doctor was punctual.”
  • “I felt seen and heard – rare for a doctor’s office!”
  • “Everyone was professional and friendly.”
  • “Got an appointment quickly when I needed it.”
  • “The doctor is an expert in their field and easy to talk to.”
  • “I always feel cared for here.”

Handling Negative Reviews: Turning Criticism Into Improvement

Let’s be real – no one likes getting negative reviews or fake reviews. They can feel like a punch for medical practices and healthcare providers, especially when you’re doing your best to offer quality care. 

But here’s the thing: a negative review doesn’t have to be the end of the world. It can be an opportunity.
When a negative review shows up, here are a few tips for handling it well and getting more reviews:

  • Respond Quickly: Waiting too long to respond can look unprofessional. A quick, empathetic reply shows you care.
  • Stay Professional: Even if the review feels unfair, keep your response polite and professional.
  • Acknowledge and Apologize: A simple, “We’re sorry you had this experience,” can go a long way.
  • Take It Offline: If possible, ask the patient to contact the office directly so you can resolve the issue from Google reviews privately.
  • Learn from It: Look for constructive feedback. If multiple patients mention the same issue, it might be time to make some changes.

Examples of Professional Responses to Negative Reviews:

Here are some examples of thoughtful responses to patient reviews that can turn a challenging situation into a chance to build trust and show your commitment to patient care:

  • “Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear about your experience and would like to discuss this further. Please contact us directly.”
  • “We apologize if you felt rushed during your appointment. Your comfort is important to us, and we’ll work on improving this.”
  • “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We strive to make every patient’s visit as positive as possible.”
  • “We regret any inconvenience caused. Please reach out to us so we can address this issue.”
  • “Your experience matters, and we’d love to hear more. Let’s connect directly to resolve any concerns.”
  • “Thank you for your honesty. We aim to provide the best care and will take your feedback seriously.”
  • “We’re sorry to hear about your experience and want to make it right. Contact us at [phone number].”
  • “Patient feedback is valuable to us, and we’d like to make things right. Please give us a call.”
  • “We always aim for excellence, and it sounds like we missed the mark. Let’s connect to discuss further.”
  • “Our goal is for every patient to feel well cared for. Let’s talk to ensure this happens next time.”
  • “Thank you for sharing this. We’ll use your feedback to improve our service.”
  • “We’re sorry for any confusion and would love to clarify things. Please get in touch.”
  • “Our patients’ comfort is our top priority. We’ll work on improving in this area.”
  • “Thanks for sharing your experience. We’d love the opportunity to make it right.”
  • “We take feedback seriously and will use it to make changes for a better experience.”

What Online Reviews Mean for Your Practice

doctors reviews

Online reviews aren’t just about the stars. They impact search rankings, bring in new patients, and even patient loyalty.

When patients see good reviews, it makes them feel more comfortable choosing a doctor. 

But there’s more to online reviews than just bringing in new patients. Good reviews build trust. 

A patient who trusts their doctor is more likely to come back and follow medical advice and that can lead to better health outcomes.

Examples of Common Review Statements:

  • “Friendly staff and a clean office.”
  • “Doctor was very thorough and kind.”
  • “Quick and easy booking process.”
  • “Excellent care, highly recommend!”
  • “Very professional and respectful staff.”
  • “The office is always clean and comfortable.”
  • “I felt comfortable discussing my concerns.”
  • “The staff makes you feel welcome.”
  • “This doctor listens and cares.”
  • “Easy parking and short wait time.”
  • “They explain everything in simple terms.”
  • “Great follow-up after my appointment.”
  • “Appointments are easy to schedule.”
  • “Efficient and friendly service.”
  • “I trust this doctor with my family’s health.”

Setting up and Managing Your Google Business Profile

A Google Business Profile is a must for any doctor who wants to manage their online presence. 

This profile shows up when people search for your medical practice on Google and has all the basic info patients need – location, hours, contact details, and of course online reviews.

Here’s how to set up or optimize your profile:

  • Claim Your Profile: Go to Google Business to claim or create your profile.
  • Add Accurate Info: Make sure your address, hours, and phone number are correct.
  • Add Photos: A few office photos can make a good first impression.
  • Enable Messaging: Allow patients to message you directly from the profile for quick questions.
  • Merge Duplicate Listings: Sometimes there are multiple listings for the same practice. 
  • Merging them helps keep your reviews in one place.

Conclusion

Google reviews for doctors are more than just a rating. 

They’re part of the bigger picture of patient care and trust. When doctors accept good and bad reviews they get to see what patients value.

Taking the time to respond thoughtfully can even turn a bad review into a good one.

At the end of the day, Google reviews give doctors a chance to connect with patients on a personal level even in a digital space. 

For patients, they give a way to find a doctor they feel good about. That’s what we all want when it comes to our health.

Frequently Asked Questions

doctors google reviews

How can a doctor get more Google reviews?

Getting Google reviews starts with providing a good patient experience and then asking for feedback in a friendly and respectful way. 

Doctors can ask for more reviews in person after an appointment or send a follow-up email or text with a link to their Google reviews page. 

A QR code in the waiting area can also make it easy for patients to leave reviews while they’re in the clinic. Or remind patients through a thank you card or message after treatment.

What is the best site for doctor reviews?

Google is one of the most popular reviews site for doctors because of its search visibility but there are other good ones too. 

Healthgrades, RateMDs, and ZocDoc are specifically for healthcare providers’ reviews and have detailed profiles for doctors including their specialties, ratings, and patient comments. 

Each of these sites has a different audience so it can be good for doctors to be on multiple sites.

How to leave a good review for a doctor?

When leaving a Google reviews be honest and specific. Think about what stood out most in your experience as a potential patients. 

Was it the doctor’s bedside manner, clear communication, or the friendliness of the staff? 

Start by saying why you chose the doctor, describe your experience, and mention what made you feel looked after or comfortable. 

If there were any highlights such as clear explanations or good follow up include those in your Google reviews and star ratings.

How to find out a doctor’s reputation?

To check medical practices or doctor’s reputations start by reading more Google reviews, Healthgrades, or RateMDs where you’ll find ratings and patient comments. 

You can also check their credentials, years of experience, and any awards or recognition they’ve received. 

Ask friends, potential patients, family, or other healthcare providers for recommendations too. Remember to combine information from multiple sources for the healthcare provider.

Luka L.

Luka Lucheski is a digital marketing strategist and content creator with over 5 years of experience in social media growth and engagement. As a leading writer at SidesMedia, Luka has helped brands increase their online visibility through data-driven content strategies featured in top marketing publications. Committed to delivering accurate and relevant insights, Luka blends creativity with analytics to provide readers with actionable advice.

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