1.5 Leveraging Patient Reviews and Testimonials

In private practices, reputation is everything

Patients are increasingly searching online and comparing consultants based on ratings and testimonials. A steady stream of positive reviews can differentiate you from others, build trust before the first consultation, and ultimately grow your practice. Ignoring this key area can result in missed opportunities and slower growth.

With NHS waitlists pushing more patients into private care, patients are becoming more selective.
Reviews now play a pivotal role:

• 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation.
• A one-star increase in rating can lead to a 5% increase in patient inquiries.
• 70% of patients say they would avoid a provider with negative reviews.

For consultants, leveraging this feedback loop effectively can mean the difference between a thriving practice and one that struggles to stand out.

Where to collect reviews:

• Google Business Profile: Essential for SEO and local visibility. Patients often search “knee surgeon near me” and see Google reviews first.
• Doctify: A healthcare-specific review platform trusted by patients.
• Trustpilot: Offers credibility and visibility, especially if you link it to your website.

When to collect reviews:

• After a successful consultation or surgery
• Once the patient expresses satisfaction (verbally or in a follow-up)
• As part of your post-care email or text follow-up

How to collect reviews:

• Use automated follow-up emails that include direct links to your review platforms
• Ask personally when the patient expresses gratitude – often after a positive outcome
• Include QR codes or clickable links in your patient comms.

How to use patient feedback effectively:

• Highlight key testimonials on your website, especially on your homepage and treatment pages
• Share select quotes (with consent) on social media or printed materials
• Use feedback to spot patterns and improve care (e.g., patient comms, appointment clarity)

Steps you can take today to improve your reviews

☐ Claim and optimise your listings
Ensure your practice details on directories are accurate, complete, and kept up to date.

☐ Encourage patients to leave positive reviews
Prompt patients to share their feedback right after their appointment or via follow-up emails with easy review links.

☐ Respond to reviews, both positive and negative
Show appreciation for positive reviews and address negative ones professionally, inviting further offline discussion when necessary.

☐ Automate review requests
Implement a system for automated review requests via email, making it easier to gather feedback consistently.

☐ Feature testimonials on your website
Showcase reviews prominently on your website, using dedicated sections and rotating testimonial carousels for maximum visibility.

☐ Foster word-of-mouth referrals
Encourage patient referrals by providing incentives and maintaining strong relationships with local healthcare providers.

How Medbelle can support you in managing patient reviews

Medbelle offers tools to help you manage patient reviews and streamline your reputation management. From collecting feedback through PatientConnect to displaying it effectively on your website, we can support your practice’s growth through integrated solutions.

Tools & resources for managing reviews

• Medbelle’s Referral Scheme: To encourage word-of-mouth referrals from your patients
• Google Business Profile: Enhance your profile for increased visibility and positive reviews.
• Doctify & Trustpilot: Platforms that help manage and display reviews directly on your website.