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: 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
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

Patient-Lead-Generation-Physician-Marketing-Medical-Practice-Marketing
Calculating the Lifetime Value of a New Patient for Your Medical Practice
Consumer Health Revolution On the Horizon? Challenges for mHealth 2012
Why Dental Offices Need a Custom Mobile Application?
Walter Reed Army Hospital To Close Its Doors
Entrepreneurs Must Integrate Mission-Driven Strategic Investors

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

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

orthopedics
Hospital AdministrationOrthopaedicsSpecialtiesTechnology

5 Bits of Actionable Info from AAOS 2014 for Your Ortho Department

March 28, 2014

Can Decision Aids Help Lower Medical Costs?

September 13, 2012
password management for healthcare companies
BusinessHospital Administration

5 Crucial Password Management Questions for Healthcare Providers

November 5, 2020

Eric Topol’s 9 Steps Toward Better Health Care—We Add a 10th

March 9, 2012
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?