Here are eight takeaways:
1. Some physicians feel they are unfairly targeted for larger healthcare complaints, as they are the public faces of the system.
2. Some physicians criticize HIPAA for protecting disrespectful patients.
3. Lawyers advise physicians to accept some patients will continue to write bad reviews. If physicians feel a post is fraudulent, they should consider contacting the review site. Otherwise, physicians should consider ignoring bad reviews.
4. If a response is necessary, lawyers suggest physicians respond with a single, HIPAA-compliant response.
5. Filing a lawsuit will most likely not end well for the physician, often resulting in loss and heavy costs.
6. Many physicians were unsettled with the idea of patients reviewing their visits on the same sites they reviewed other services, like restaurants.
7. Medical Justice accepted the existence of physician reviews and now offers patients an outlet to voice their opinions after their appointments. The company operates the medical reputation management program, eMerit. By taking the reviews head-on, the company can showcase positive reviews.
8. The online reviews aren’t going anywhere, and smart physicians will routinely update their information online with a biography and photo.
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