Google reviews for doctors: A prescription to win patient’s trust

Let’s talk about your potential patients for a moment. They’re out there, scrolling through Google, feeling nervous about finding the right doctor. So they type in a search, and your practice appears, but what catches their eye? It’s not just your credentials or your website – it’s the candid experiences shared by your previous patients in the form of Google reviews. 

Those reviews? They’re gold. They serve as a powerful trust signal, offering reassurance and insight into the quality of care you provide. This reassurance can turn an anxious Googler into your next appointment.

Just as you prescribe treatments to improve your patients’ health, consider Google reviews for doctors your prescription for cultivating trust and credibility. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the vital role of Google reviews for doctors in building patient trust, give examples of 5-star doctor reviews, and explain why Google reviews are important for doctors and dentists. 

Why Google reviews for doctors and healthcare practitioners are important

Online reviews have become an integral part of how consumers make decisions. For healthcare professionals, Google reviews can significantly impact their reputation and patient acquisition. 

Here’s why:

• Visibility and credibility: Positive reviews can boost a doctor or dentist’s search engine ranking. 
• Informed decision-making: Patients often rely on reviews to gauge the quality of care, bedside manner, and overall experience before making an appointment.
• Healthcare reputation management: Negative reviews can damage a healthcare professional’s reputation. Addressing them promptly and professionally can help mitigate their impact.
• Patient acquisition: Positive reviews can attract new patients seeking quality care.

Now that you understand why Google reviews for doctors and dentists are important, let’s examine what constitutes a good Google review. 

Must-read: Healthcare local SEO best practices to attract more patients

Anatomy of a great Google review for doctors

Here, “anatomy” refers to the essential components or elements of a high-quality Google review. By understanding these components, healthcare professionals can encourage their patients to write reviews that are informative, helpful, and likely to attract new patients. All these act as a great marketing strategy for doctors.  

Here are the key elements of a great Google review:

1. Be specific: Instead of general statements, provide concrete examples of your experience. 

For instance, instead of saying, “The doctor was great,” say, “Dr. [Doctor’s Name] took the time to explain my diagnosis in detail and answered all of my questions.”

2. Mention staff: If you had positive interactions with the doctor’s staff, mention their helpfulness and professionalism.
3. Share personal anecdotes: A personal story can make your review more relatable to others. 

For example, you could share how the doctor’s treatment helped you overcome a particular health challenge on doctor review sites. 

4. Highlight key qualities: Focus on the specific qualities that made your experience positive. 

For example, if you were impressed by the doctor’s bedside manner, mention how they made you feel comfortable and at ease.

5. Be honest: If you had a negative experience, be honest about it, but try to focus on constructive feedback. This can help the doctor improve their services.

Read the 11 ways to use AI in healthcare in 2024. 

3 sample good reviews for a doctor that incorporates these tips

Disclaimer: We’ve blurred the names of individuals & brands for privacy reasons. 

Review 1: "Dr. [Doctor's Name] is amazing! He took the time to explain my condition in detail and answered all of my questions. His bedside manner is exceptional, and I felt very comfortable in his care. The staff was also incredibly friendly and helpful. I highly recommend Dr. [Doctor's Name] to anyone looking for a compassionate and knowledgeable doctor."

Review 2: "I was so impressed with my experience at Dr. [Doctor's Name]'s office. The staff was welcoming and efficient, and the waiting area was clean and comfortable. Dr. [Doctor's Name] was very thorough and took the time to listen to my concerns. He explained my treatment plan clearly and made sure I understood everything. I felt like I was in great hands."

Review 3: "I'm so grateful for Dr. [Doctor's Name]'s care. He helped me overcome a health issue that had been bothering me for years. He was always patient and understanding, and he took the time to explain my treatment options in a way I could understand. I highly recommend Dr. [Doctor's Name] to anyone needing a compassionate and skilled doctor."

Qualities patients look for in trust-worthy doctor/healthcare professional

Qualities form the foundation of a trustworthy doctor-patient relationship. When patients encounter these traits in their healthcare providers, they’re more likely to feel confident in their care, contributing to doctors’ online reputation management.

Interestingly, many of these qualities shine through in Google reviews. Patients frequently mention a doctor’s attentiveness, clear communication, or compassionate approach when leaving feedback, which is why Google reviews can be a powerful tool for building trust. 

Here are the qualities: 

1. Competence and expertise

• Relevant medical certifications and qualifications
• Continued professional development

Examples of 5-star doctor reviews highlighting these qualities 

“Dr. [Doctor’s Name] is truly exceptional. Not only did he diagnose my condition accurately, but he also took the time to explain my treatment options in detail. He made me feel completely at ease and confident in his care.”

2. Effective communication

• Clear explanations of diagnoses and treatments
• Active listening skills
• Ability to simplify complex medical terms

Examples of 5-star doctor reviews highlighting these qualities 

“I’m so grateful for Dr. [Doctor’s Name]’s expertise. He’s a skilled surgeon and a compassionate and caring doctor. The procedure was a complete success, and I feel better than ever.”

3. Empathy and compassion

• Genuine concern for patient well-being
• Understanding of patient fears and anxieties
• Respect for the patient’s emotions and experiences

Examples of 5-star doctor reviews highlighting these qualities 

“I felt comfortable and at ease in Dr. [Doctor’s Name]’s care. He has a truly calming presence, and he always takes the time to listen to my concerns.”

4. Transparency and honesty

• Openness about treatment options, risks, costs, and insurance
• Willingness to admit limitations or uncertainties

Examples of 5-star doctor reviews highlighting these qualities 

“I was impressed with Dr. [Doctor’s Name]’s ability to diagnose my condition accurately and recommend the best course of treatment. He’s a very experienced and knowledgeable doctor.”

5. Reliability and punctuality

• Respecting appointment times
• Following up on promised actions or information
• Consistency in care and advice

Examples of 5-star doctor reviews highlighting these qualities 

“I was so impressed with the level of service I received at Dr. [Doctor’s Name]’s office. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and the waiting area was clean and comfortable. Dr. [Doctor’s Name] was punctual and efficient, making me feel like my concerns were truly valued.”

6. Patient-centered approach

• Respecting patient preferences and cultural beliefs
• Tailoring treatment plans to individual needs

Tips for gaining positive Google reviews for doctors 
✅Prioritize patient care.
✅Encourage feedback.
✅Respond promptly.
✅Address negatives and promote positives regularly.
✅Make it easy to review.

Examples of 5-star doctor reviews highlighting these qualities 

“Dr. [Doctor’s Name] has the best bedside manner of any doctor I’ve ever seen. He’s always patient, kind, and understanding, making me feel like I’m his top priority.”

7. Availability and accessibility

• Reasonable wait times for appointments
• After-hours care options or a clear referral process

Examples of 5-star doctor reviews highlighting these qualities 

“Dr. [Doctor’s Name] and his team go above and beyond to provide the best care. They’re always available to answer questions and address concerns, and they offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of their patients.”

8. Professional demeanor

• Prioritizing patient welfare over financial gain
• Maintaining patient confidentiality
• Respectful interactions with staff and colleagues

Examples of 5-star doctor reviews highlighting these qualities 

“I’m so impressed with the comprehensive care I received at Dr. [Doctor’s Name]’s practice. They have state-of-the-art equipment and a dedicated staff who are always willing to help.”

9. Attention to detail

• Thorough examinations and record-keeping
• Careful consideration of patient history and symptoms
• Proactive approach to preventive care

Examples of 5-star doctor reviews highlighting these qualities 

“I’m so thankful for Dr. [Doctor’s Name]’s support and encouragement during a difficult time. He was always there to listen and offer advice and helped me through some tough moments.”

10. Cultural competence

• Respect for diverse backgrounds and beliefs
• Awareness of cultural factors affecting health
• Ability to provide culturally sensitive care

Examples of 5-star doctor reviews highlighting these qualities 

“I can’t recommend Dr. [Doctor’s Name] enough. He’s an exceptional doctor who truly cares about his patients. He’s knowledgeable, compassionate, and skilled, and I’m so grateful for his care.”

11. Technological proficiency

• Effective use of electronic health records
• Familiarity with relevant medical technologies
• Ability to offer telemedicine options when appropriate

Examples of 5-star doctor reviews highlighting these qualities 

“Dr. [Doctor’s Name] is a highly skilled and knowledgeable physician. He’s clearly up-to-date on the latest medical advancements, and he was able to recommend the most effective treatment for my condition.”

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8 Google reviews for doctors’ examples that prove the power of patient feedback

Here are some examples of positive Google reviews for doctors and what makes it a good review: 

Review 1: "Dr. [Doctor's Name] is amazing! He took the time to listen to my concerns and explained everything in a way I could understand. His bedside manner is exceptional, and I felt very comfortable in his care. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a compassionate and knowledgeable doctor."

Review 2: "I was so impressed with Dr. [Doctor's Name] and her staff. They were all so friendly and helpful. Dr. [Doctor's Name] was very thorough and took the time to answer all of my questions. I felt like I was in great hands."

Review 3: "I've been a patient of Dr. [Doctor's Name] for years, and I couldn't be happier. He's always caring and compassionate, and he goes above and beyond to ensure his patients are well cared for. I would highly recommend him to anyone."

Review 4: "I was so nervous about my procedure, but Dr. [Doctor's Name] made me feel completely at ease. He explained everything clearly and answered all of my questions. The procedure was painless, and I'm grateful for his excellent care."

Review 5: "Dr. [Doctor's Name] is the best doctor I've ever had. He's always patient, kind, and compassionate. He takes the time to get to know his patients and understand their needs. I can't recommend him enough."

Review 6: "I was having a lot of pain, and Dr. [Doctor's Name] was able to diagnose and treat my condition quickly. He's very knowledgeable and skilled, and I felt I was in great hands. I'm so thankful for his help."

Review 7: "Dr. [Doctor's Name] is not only a great doctor but also a wonderful person. He always has a smile on his face and makes me feel like I'm his only patient. I'm so lucky to have him as my doctor."

Review 8: "I was hesitant to see a new doctor, but I'm so glad I chose Dr. [Doctor's Name]. He's very thorough and takes the time to listen to my concerns. I feel like I'm in good hands."

7 examples of red flags in Google reviews for doctors

While it’s true that competitors or unhappy patients may attempt to tarnish a doctor’s online reputation, there are other reasons why it’s important to be aware of red flags in Google reviews. These include:

• Unintentional misinformation: Patients may sometimes leave inaccurate or misleading reviews due to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
• Personal biases: Individual biases or personal experiences can influence a patient’s review, leading to unfair or inaccurate assessments.
• Changing circumstances: A doctor’s practice may have undergone changes or improvements since a negative review was left, making it outdated or irrelevant.

Knowing these potential factors empowers doctors to evaluate Google reviews better and take appropriate steps. Here are the seven examples of red flags in Google reviews for doctors: 

1. Sudden surge in reviews: A doctor’s profile suddenly receives many 5-star reviews within a short period, especially if the reviews are similar in content.

2. Vague and generic reviews: Multiple reviews using the same phrases, such as “Dr. [Doctor’s Name] is the best doctor I’ve ever had,” could indicate that they are fake or manipulated.

Did you know that Dr. Javad Sajan, a Seattle-based plastic surgeon, and his clinic, Allure Esthetic, were penalized with $5 million for review manipulation?

To make his brand look perfect and achieve a 5-star reputation, he:
‣ Created fake profiles to post positive reviews
‣ Pressurized the patients to remove negative reviews
‣ Threatened them with illegal NDAs
‣ Offered incentives for leaving positive reviews

Birdeye is against such malpractices and alerts other healthcare practitioners to follow the ethics of running a business honestly.

1. Negative reviews with no response: A doctor’s profile has several negative reviews complaining about long wait times or poor communication, but there are no responses from the doctor.

2. Excessive self-promotion: A review that says, “Dr. [Doctor’s Name] is the leading expert in [medical field] and has won numerous awards.”

3. Unprofessional language or personal attacks: A review that contains offensive language or personal insults directed at the doctor.

4. Suspicious patterns: A single individual has left multiple reviews for the same doctor, all with 5-star ratings and similar content.

5. Reviews from unverified accounts: A review from a Google account with a profile picture of a celebrity or a generic image and little or no other activity.

For all these reasons, on August 14, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a landmark judgment banning fake reviews and testimonials online.

As per the provisions of the rule:

• Fake reviews and customer testimonials: Prohibits businesses from creating, selling, or buying fake reviews, including AI-generated ones or those written by people without experience.

• Incentivized reviews: Bans businesses from offering incentives for reviews with a particular sentiment.

• Insider reviews: Prohibits businesses from disseminating reviews written by company insiders or their relatives without clear disclosure.

• Review websites: Prevents businesses from misrepresenting the independence of review websites they control.

• Review suppression: Prohibits businesses from using threats or intimidation to suppress negative reviews and requires transparency about review gating practices.

• Fake social media indicators: This law prohibits selling or purchasing fake social media indicators that misrepresent a person's influence.

Though Google doesn’t allow you to leave a review anonymously, you may leave a review without revealing your real identity and sharing valuable insights. Do you know how?

4 strategies for doctors to deal with fake or manipulated reviews

1. Regularly monitor your Google Reviews profile for suspicious activity.

2. Flag any fake or manipulated reviews directly to Google.

3. Prompt patients to leave genuine reviews and provide clear instructions.

4. If you notice a pattern of fake reviews, contact Google or seek legal advice.

Remember: While these red flags can indicate potential issues, it's important to consider the overall context of the reviews. A few negative reviews don't necessarily mean that a doctor is incompetent or unprofessional. If you have concerns, it's always a good idea to do additional research or seek recommendations from trusted sources.

How to encourage patients to leave positive Google reviews for your healthcare practice

1. Tailor care to individual needs and preferences.

2. Identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

3. Acknowledge and address feedback professionally. 

4. Ensure your team provides excellent customer service. 

Pro-tip: Use Birdeye’s AI-powered 360 Reviews platform to help you:
‣ Manage 
‣ Generate 
‣ Market reviews 

Birdeye’s Reviews empowers you to: 
✅Generate more reviews and rank higher on Google
✅Monitor 200+ review sites from one dashboard
✅Craft human-like replies in any language
✅Turn reviews into social posts in one click
✅Measure your reputation score across locations
✅Surpass competitors with benchmarking
✅Improve Google ad performance and much more! 

2 best practices for responding to Google reviews for doctors

Now that you know how to manage and generate reviews, here are some of our suggestions as best practices: 

1. Address medical concerns directly: If a patient raises a specific medical concern or complaint, address it directly and offer a clear explanation or solution. This shows that you take their health concerns seriously and are committed to providing quality care.

2. Highlight your expertise and qualifications: If a patient expresses concerns about your qualifications or experience, use this opportunity to highlight your credentials and expertise. This can help reassure patients and build trust in your practice.

3 common Google review problems for doctors & their solutions

1. Negative reviews: Address concerns promptly, focus on improvement, and encourage positive reviews.
2. Lack of reviews: Ask directly, provide easy access, and consider offering incentives.
3. Fake reviews: Monitor regularly, flag fake Google reviews, and encourage genuine feedback.

FAQs on Google reviews for doctors

Win patient trust with good Google reviews for doctors and integrate Birdeye

Birdeye is a powerful platform that can help you streamline the process of collecting and managing Google reviews.

Here’s how one of our customers, Complete Care, increased patient acquisition by boosting reviews by 3653% with Birdeye:

Our customers, their stories: 

"When we partnered with Birdeye, the results were evident. Before, our organic growth was struggling. We had to spend quite a bit of money on PPC campaigns. We were still not showing up in the top 10 and sometimes not on the first page. 

After partnering with Birdeye, we saw a 3653% increase in reviews, with higher star ratings. Patients started telling us they chose us because of our great online reputation. 

We also started to see organic growth, which was more valuable than spending more money on PPC. Cost per lead and cost per click also went down once we started using Birdeye."

- Kelly Palms, Director Of Business Development, Complete Emergency Care