Among the many review platforms available, three are widely known as the leading platforms for healthcare providers: Google Business Profile, Healthgrades, and Facebook. These platforms not only help potential patients find your practice, but also allow you to build and manage your online presence effectively.

While other online review platforms are available, it’s imperative to focus on these three leading platforms. Our study of patient behavior to determine the top online review platforms for doctors and practices delivered overwhelming results, with a Google Business Profile being the number one platform selected for all online reviews. It’s no secret that Google dominates the online review landscape, and many doctors and practices are only focusing on Google.

Why Are Doctor Review Sites Important?

Patients increasingly rely on doctor review sites and directories when selecting their healthcare providers. In 2022, Nearly 75% of patients begin their search by checking online reviews, making it crucial for doctors to maintain a strong online presence across multiple platforms, not just one, to attract new patients. In 2024, just two years later, we now see over 90% of patients beginning their search by checking online reviews.

A solid online reputation is essential for doctors who have spent years earning the trust of their patients and communities. A doctor’s online image must reflect the professionalism and dedication they bring to their practice.

Google Business Profile (GBP)

Google is the biggest search engine, with 92% of the market worldwide, and the # 1 review platform. Because of its popularity, Google leads the way in online reviews for almost every industry. For healthcare practices, having a Google Business Profile (GBP) is key to showing up in local search results and being on the first page of Google.

Key benefits of a Google Business Profile include:

• Visibility: Your profile appears in local search results, making it easier for patients to find your practice.
• Trust: Patients trust businesses that respond to reviews, and medical practices that engage with patient feedback are seen as more credible.
• Helping with Referrals: Patients who view a poorly rated doctor or practice on Google will often go back to their referring provider and ask for a different referral.
• Convenience: Prospective patients can quickly find information, call your office, or visit your website directly from the profile.

Healthgrades

Healthgrades is designed for patients to find doctors rather than practices. With over 100 million users and millions of healthcare providers listed, Healthgrades is the largest platform dedicated to healthcare provider reviews. By featuring your doctors on Healthgrades, you make it easier for potential patients to discover and choose your practice.

Key benefits of a Healthgrades Profile include:

• Specialized for Healthcare: Unlike general review sites, Healthgrades is focused on healthcare, which means patients using the platform are specifically looking for medical providers.
• Data-Driven Profiles: In addition to patient reviews, Healthgrades provides data on doctors, including education, specialties, and professional background.

Facebook

While Facebook is mainly considered a social platform, it has evolved into a popular review platform with billions of active users. As Facebook is particularly popular among older generations, creating an online presence on Facebook provides these patients with a familiar and trusted site to leave reviews, rate their experience, and interact directly with your practice and providers.

One challenge with Facebook is they also have a problem with spammy reviews. These reviews are posted by bots and promote crypto or investment opportunities that are fraudulent and need to be reported to Facebook for removal. Satisfied Patient helps practices report reviews to Facebook for removal.

Key benefits of a Facebook Profile include:

• Large Audience: Facebook’s massive user base means that your reviews and interactions have the potential to reach a wide audience, including your patients’ social circles.
• Engagement: Facebook is a social platform, so patient reviews and recommendations can be shared and seen by others, helping spread word-of-mouth recommendations.

Conclusion

When it comes to managing your practices online reputation, your number one focus should be on your Google Business Profile, followed by Healthgrades, and Facebook. While other platforms are available, they do not drive material business results back to your practice. Each platform offers unique opportunities to improve your practice’s visibility, engage with patients, and improve your overall reputation. By actively maintaining your profiles, responding to reviews, and ensuring accurate information, you can attract new patients, retain existing ones, and build a strong, trustworthy online reputation.