By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Two Truths and a Lie about Physicians and Social Media
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Business > Hospital Administration > Two Truths and a Lie about Physicians and Social Media
BusinesseHealthHospital AdministrationSocial MediaTechnology

Two Truths and a Lie about Physicians and Social Media

tknight8756
tknight8756
Share
8 Min Read
SHARE

Physicians and Social MediaSocial media has been widely adopted across many industries as a vital component of any well-rounded digital marketing strategy, and physicians are rapidly joining the ranks.

Physicians and Social MediaSocial media has been widely adopted across many industries as a vital component of any well-rounded digital marketing strategy, and physicians are rapidly joining the ranks. In fact, a recent study found that over 70% of primary care physicians and oncologists are now using social media to read and disseminate health information. 

 

Many late adopters and even those who are currently active on social media, however, report some trepidation. Perhaps it’s a generation gap in “old school” doctors who aren’t hip to the new wave of technology. More likely, though, it’s a lack of knowledge about prudent and productive social media principles, and lingering fears about privacy and compliance, that’s to blame. 

Here’s how to separate fact from fiction when it comes to social media practices, including two truths you can believe in, and an all-too-common myth to dispel once and for all! 


Truth: Social Media Is More Than Just a Broadcast Tool

Long gone are the days when social media only acted as an outlet for mundane content like what’s for dinner! In fact, it’s no longer just about broadcasting content at all. Forbes has discussed a fundamental shift in the way people—and businesses—are using social media, saying now, more than ever before, users want to engage in meaningful conversation—especially when it comes to their health.

This enables physicians and providers using social media to originate two-way dialogue that creates value among patients, expands their brand identity, and inspires consumers to take action. Your job? Well, don’t make your social media efforts merely about what you say. Instead, also be keenly focused on listening and responding to what your followers say back.

Do your part by publishing social media content that’s timely and thought-provoking. Start conversations about pertinent topics like key risk factors for heart disease or diabetes; share new research and tips on disease prevention and healthy living habits; and provide insight on the changing healthcare model and its impact on patients and physicians alike. Continually monitor the response and capitalize on opportunities to further engage with your social media followers, as well as cultivate new content ideas for your blog, newsletter, and other digital marketing activities.   

See also: 3 Ways to Originate the Content Your Patients Want    

When used correctly, your social media outlets can become active and engaging online communities where members double as champions of your brand. Pay close attention to user questions and feedback and you may even gain insights you need to improve the patient experience. And an added bonus for physicians on social media? As many as 33% of physicians currently use social media to interact and even collaborate with fellow doctors and healthcare industry peers.   

Truth: Healthcare Providers Must Develop Internal Social Media Policies

The ease of use and low- or no-cost nature of social media outlets means all you need is an account to get started, right?  Technically yes, but not so fast.  In a move that as many as seven in ten organizations are missing, you must first create and introduce internal policy guidelines about proper social media use. Remember: it’s not just your own social media activities you’re governing; it’s your employees’, too!  

The lines are becoming increasingly blurred between business and personal interests on social media, and without question, employees represent you and your brand. So much so that controversial or offensive posts from them—even if not posted directly on your page—can have serious consequences right up to and including potential HIPAA violations. 

It’s not practical to restrict or ban social media use by employees, but in structuring your internal guidelines for acceptable use, pay particular attention to these functional areas:

  • Transparency: Posts should not be published anonymously and, whenever possible, should reveal not only the poster’s identity, but also his or her role in connection to the provider.
  • Judiciousness: Protect patients’ names and identities at all times, and never publish patient photos without express prior approval. Also, be respectful at all times and do not post confidential or copyrighted material or information.
  • Correctness: Do not disparage the company, its patients, and fellow co-workers, and use an approved disclaimer if expressing personal opinions that are yours and not intended to reflect the views of the organization.

Lie: HIPAA and Regulatory Guidelines Act as Barriers to Your Social Media Strategy

While the importance of upholding HIPAA and regulatory guidelines must not be understated, one of the biggest misconceptions about healthcare providers and social media is that stringent compliance regulations interfere with the design and implementation of an effective social media strategy.

When done properly, social media is an invaluable tool for engaging with current and prospective patients, increasing brand awareness, and stimulating two-way dialogue about health-related topics. And although HIPAA violations could carry consequences such as fines, license revocation, and even criminal penalties, healthcare providers have several early lines of defense with the power to prevent the regulatory environment from becoming a barrier to entry and sustained success.

The first, of course, is having properly written policies and procedures that govern social media content, posting, and employee access and behavior; but the efforts mustn’t end there. Because social media and the healthcare industry are both constantly evolving, continual efforts to educate yourself and employees on HIPAA privacy and security regulations are also imperative.

As a result, hold briefings and educational exercises to have and maintain proper emphasis on social media policies and compliance initiatives, share performance metrics, and assess results. Share knowledge, learn from missteps, and build on successes, and you can help continually improve social media results and ensure compliance as part of a common initiative.


Social media is a key component of any well-designed digital marketing strategy, and with the advent of technology and big data, it’s a discipline all its own for healthcare marketers. Read and download our newest multi-part special report, Unlocking the Future of Healthcare Marketing, for tools and insights you can use right away to adapt your strategy and increase the scope and efficiency of your marketing activities.

Is Your Online Communication Suffering?

More Read

Image
Top 25 “Most Beautiful” Hospitals
European Diabetes Market
[Infographic and Comments] Telehealth Benefits, Delivery and Outcomes
3 Best Health Care Tips – mHealth to Social Media Networking
Questions for Physicians to Ask & Avoid During Interviews
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

dental care
Importance of Good Dental Care for Health and Confidence
Dental health Specialties
October 2, 2025
AI in Healthcare
AI in Healthcare: Technology is Transforming the Global Landscape
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
October 1, 2025
Choosing the Right Swimwear for Health and Safety
News
September 30, 2025
sports concussions
Concussion In Sports: How Common They Are And What You Need To Know
Infographics
September 28, 2025

You Might also Like

Cool Healthcare Technology: Phreesia

May 28, 2011
person-centered healthcare
Medical InnovationsNewsWellness

Person-Centered HealthCare: Patient Room of the Future

August 9, 2013

Jack Dorsey on Innovation and Life

March 3, 2013

Long Term Care Commission Report Falls Short

October 1, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?