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
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    improving patient experience
    6 Ways to Improve Patient Satisfaction Within Hospitals
    December 1, 2021
    degree for healthcare job
    What Are The Health Benefits Of Having A Degree?
    March 9, 2022
    custom software development is changing healthcare
    Digital Customer Journey Mapping and its Importance for Healthcare
    July 21, 2022
    Latest News
    Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
    May 16, 2025
    Learn how to Renew your Medical Card in West Virginia
    May 16, 2025
    Choosing the Right Supplement Manufacturer for Your Brand
    May 1, 2025
    Engineering Temporary Hospitals for Extreme Weather
    April 24, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Can Thinking Younger Make You Live Longer?
    April 20, 2011
    Image
    Obesity’s Outlook Unchanged
    June 13, 2011
    When It’s An Emergency Elderly Not Treated As Well in Hospitals
    July 16, 2011
    Latest News
    Building Smarter Care Teams: Aligning Roles, Structure, and Clinical Expertise
    May 18, 2025
    The Critical Role of Healthcare in Personal Injury Recovery: A Comprehensive Guide for Victims
    May 14, 2025
    The Backbone of Successful Trials: Clinical Data Management
    April 28, 2025
    Advancing Your Healthcare Career through Education and Specialization
    April 16, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: The Value of Patient Testimonials for Doctors and Surgeons
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 > eHealth > Social Media > The Value of Patient Testimonials for Doctors and Surgeons
BusinessSocial Media

The Value of Patient Testimonials for Doctors and Surgeons

jennacyprus
Last updated: April 19, 2016 4:27 pm
jennacyprus
Share
6 Min Read
SHARE

As advanced as the medical field is, it’s sometimes surprising how far doctors, surgeons, and healthcare facilities lag behind when it comes to web development and internet marketing. In particular, the healthcare community is lacking when it comes to patient testimonials, reviews, and social proof.

Why Testimonials Matter

As advanced as the medical field is, it’s sometimes surprising how far doctors, surgeons, and healthcare facilities lag behind when it comes to web development and internet marketing. In particular, the healthcare community is lacking when it comes to patient testimonials, reviews, and social proof.

Why Testimonials Matter

More Read

How A Doctor’s Perception of Patients Can Impact Patient Satisfaction
Expect Modest Growth in Health Spending through 2013
Health IT: A Rapidly Changing — and Lucrative — Industry
Social Media: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Do Physician Rating Sites Make the Grade? Find a Doctor on Angie’s List

Whether you look at it from the patient or provider perspective, testimonials are a critically important component of modern healthcare. We live in a world where customers – and in the case of medicine, patients – have access to a lot of information. As a result, the ability to research different doctors before selecting a surgeon is extremely important to them.

From the doctor’s point of view, testimonials are a wonderful way to leverage past successes and increase comfort with prospective patients. They give an unbiased look that cannot be provided via traditional advertisements or marketing efforts.

Types of Testimonials

When it comes to testimonials, there are a number of different types. The written testimonial with an attractive headshot is the most common approach. Here’s a great example of the power of testimonials in number. There’s nothing gimmicky about the page. It features honest testimonials that resonate with the target audience.

According to research, the brain processes video 60,000-times faster than written word. This has given rise to the visual storytelling trend that now permeates online marketing. We’re seeing this play out in the creation of video testimonials. Video is exponentially more powerful than text and can totally transform stale reviews into vibrant elements of social proof. Here are a few good examples of customer testimonial videos and how versatile they are.

Another common approach is the simple use of a headshot with a phrase, such as “I couldn’t be happier!” While these testimonials aren’t as valuable as long written reviews or videos, they’re still better than nothing.

Helpful Tips and Best Practices

Most doctors and surgeons don’t invest in testimonials because they aren’t quite sure of how to proceed. Fortunately, the process isn’t very difficult. There’s a lot of flexibility in what you do and you’re only limited by your creativity. Here are some helpful tips and best practices to get you started.

1. Just Ask!

“Collecting testimonials may seem like the most daunting part, but it’s actually the easiest step,” says Rachael Van Cleave of SimplePay. “You’d be surprised how excited patients are to share their experience. Some may say no, but it’s important to not let that get you down or make you stop asking.”

In fact, asking is the most important thing you can do. Some people will feel comfortable with testimonials, others won’t. Some will be willing to record a video testimonial, while others will prefer to write a note. You won’t know unless you ask!

2. Maximize Testimonials

You should make every effort to maximize the value of each testimonial you receive. In addition to posting the testimonial on your website, you should also share on social media, include excerpts in emails, and feature in newsletters. There are plenty of ways to repurpose a testimonial, so make sure you’re doing everything you can.

3. Always Be Prepared

If you want to get video testimonials, you need to be prepared at all times. Many patients will be willing to give you a testimonial on the spot, but few will schedule a future appointment just to record a video. Keep a camera on hand at all times and have a dedicated room set aside. You never want to miss out on an opportunity because you weren’t adequately prepared.

4. Guide But Don’t Script 

In order for a testimonial to be honest and powerful, it needs to come straight from the patient’s mouth. Naturally, though, you want to make sure they say the right things. The key is to guide them in the appropriate direction without scripting their testimonial. If it’s a video, ask them particular questions to pursue a specific angle. If it’s a written testimonial, give them particular prompts. This will prove beneficial for both parties.

Putting it All Together

As you can see, testimonials are extremely important in the healthcare industry. When it comes to their own physical health, patients want to know that they’re selecting the best doctor or surgeon for their needs. While a consultation is ultimately more valuable, an online testimonial is often the catalyst that encourages people to reach out.

Keep these tips in mind and brainstorm how your practice can implement testimonials moving forward.

TAGGED:patient testimonials
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

Clinical Expertise
Building Smarter Care Teams: Aligning Roles, Structure, and Clinical Expertise
Health care
May 18, 2025
Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
Health
May 15, 2025
Learn how to Renew your Medical Card in West Virginia
Learn how to Renew your Medical Card in West Virginia
Health
May 15, 2025
Dr. Klaus Rentrop Shares Acute Myocardial Infarction heart treatment
Dr. Klaus Rentrop Shares Acute Myocardial Infarction
Cardiology
May 13, 2025

You Might also Like

3 Pronged Approach to Organizational Analysis
BusinessFinanceHospital Administration

A Three-Pronged Approach to Organizational Analysis

October 9, 2014

Healthcare Leaders Must Batten Down the Hatches in 2013

January 16, 2013
error mistake
Business

Image Building at the Expense of Real Growth: A Critical Mistake

March 30, 2014

How to Get Some Love from Pinterest’s New Smart Feed

January 7, 2015
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?