One of my patients decided to drop multiple (at least 15) 1 star reviews on Google business profile.
I went into one of the physician FB groups I am a part of (see our communities page for groups you can join!) and asked for recommendations on lawyers for a possible defamation case.
My 5 star rating dropped to 3.5 stars because of these reviews.
Multiple lawyers suggest to send cease and deceit letter and cost was anywhere from $1500 to $5000 just for the letter.
So I decided to create one on my own using online template with references on defamation laws in CA along with example of prior lawsuits where doctor won the defamatory case against patients posting negative reviews.
My 5 star rating dropped to 3.5 stars because of these reviews.
Many other docs suggested to dilute the negative reviews with positive ones but you can’t really dilute 15 plus bad reviews.
Within one hour of sending the letter via email, all reviews were deleted by patients.
Many other docs suggested to dilute the negative reviews with positive ones but you can't really dilute 15 plus bad reviews. Click To Tweet
Moral of the story:
Doctors (in private practice) are dependent on excellent online reputation to get points, as I have almost zero referral base in my dpc/concierge practice.
Also, bad reviews does affect us when we try hard to do everything right.
Doctors (in private practice) are dependent on excellent online reputation to get points, as I have almost zero referral base in my dpc/concierge practice. Also, bad reviews does affect us when we try hard to do everything right. Click To Tweet
So don’t be afraid of these types of patients and fight back.
You can easy send legal notices using online template or if you really want a lawyer you can find one thru legalshield or similar types of membership.
