Your patients are happy. Nobody online would know.
Most satisfied patients never leave a review because nobody asks. Here is how to ask, the right way.
Is this you? Tap any that are true.
Most people reading this tick at least one.
It only takes one to cost you.
- steps
- 7
- steps
- to start
- 30 to 60 minutes, plus up to 2 weeks if Google verifies you by post or video
- to start
- scorecard
- Free
- scorecard
The short answer
Most satisfied patients will leave a review if you ask once, at the right moment, with a direct link. Pick one or two platforms, ask every patient rather than just the happy ones, never offer anything in return, and reply to what comes in. Set up properly, it runs from your booking system without anyone remembering.
What good looks like
Your reviews, before and after
Mr Sam Patel, Consultant Orthopaedic surgery
- Improved: ★★★★★ Example · 48 reviews · most recent this week
- Improved: A reply to every review
Reply from the owner
Illustrative sample, not a real person or result. Your own audit uses your real details.
7 steps
Do it yourself: step by step
0 of 7 done
Claim or verify your Google Business Profile and one healthcare directory with verified reviews, such as Doctify. Search your name plus specialty on a phone and see which profiles appear first; those are the ones patients read.
- Time
- 30 to 60 minutes, plus up to 2 weeks if Google verifies you by post or video
- Typical cost
- Free for Google; directory listings free to paid
- Who does it
- You
Done when: Both profiles show your correct name, specialty, hospitals and a working review link
This problem is Solvable.
Copy this template
Review request messages and reply templates
Free to copy, adapt and use. No sign-up.
Text message (send 1 to 3 days after discharge or final appointment)
Dear [Patient first name], thank you for choosing [Mr/Ms/Dr Surname] for your care. If you have a minute, we would value an honest review of your experience: [direct review link]. Every review helps other patients choose. Please reply STOP if you would rather not hear from us. [Practice name]
Subject: How was your care with [Mr/Ms/Dr Surname]?
Dear [Patient first name],
Thank you for seeing [Mr/Ms/Dr Surname] at [Hospital name].
We ask every patient for feedback, good or bad. If you are willing, please leave an honest review here: [direct review link]. It takes about two minutes.
Please do not include details of your medical condition unless you are comfortable sharing them publicly.
You are welcome to leave a review whatever your experience. If anything about your care was not right, you can also contact us directly: [secretary email] or [phone].
With thanks, [Secretary name], on behalf of [Mr/Ms/Dr Surname]
Reply to a positive review
Thank you for taking the time to write this. We are glad your experience was a good one. [Secretary or consultant name]
Reply to a negative review
Thank you for your feedback. We take every comment seriously. We cannot discuss anyone's care in a public forum, but we would welcome the chance to talk this through. Please contact [secretary name] on [phone] or [email]. [Consultant name]
The rules on one page
- Ask every eligible patient the same way. Do not choose who to ask based on how you think they feel.
- Never offer anything in return for a review: no discounts, gifts or prize draws.
- Never write, edit or post a review for a patient, and never ask staff, friends or family to review you.
- Never confirm in a reply that someone was your patient, and never mention clinical details.
- If you show reviews on your website, show a fair selection or the full feed, not only the five-star ones.
- Only message patients who have agreed to be contacted by text or email.
- Never steer unhappy patients away from leaving a review. Offering a direct contact route as well is fine.
Avoid these
Common mistakes
- Sending the review link only to patients you think are happy, which is a consumer law risk.
- Asking at the first consultation, before the patient has had any outcome.
- Spreading requests across five sites so no single profile builds a visible rating.
- Replying to a negative review with clinical details, which breaches confidentiality.
- Running a one-off push and then stopping, so the newest review is a year old again by next spring.
Free personal check
Done by Paul Robinson, not software
I'll look at your reviews as a patient would and give you a request routine to start this week
What I need from you
- Your name and specialty
- The town you practise in
- Your website, if you have one
What you get
- Screenshots of your reviews against nearby consultants
- The two platforms to focus on
- A review request you can send from tomorrow
Within 2 working days
No sign-in, no sales call. I read every request myself and reply on WhatsApp.
Free tools
Check where you stand
Benchmarks
Fake reviews, concealed incentivised reviews and misleading presentation of reviews banned since April 2025
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 bans fake reviews, hiding incentives and publishing reviews in a misleading way, which includes suppressing genuine negative ones
Fines of up to 10% of global turnover
The CMA can now impose consumer law fines directly, without going to court
Source: CMA press release, April 2025
Paul Robinson
14 years in UK private healthcare
I solve this one for consultants
Want a hand? I'll look at your situation and tell you the three things I'd tackle first.
A few quick questions, about two minutes. I read every one myself and usually reply the same day.
No sales call unless you ask for one. Just a straight answer from me.
I reply personally, usually the same day.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Am I allowed to ask patients for reviews?
Yes. Asking is fine. What is banned is fake reviews, hidden incentives and showing only the good ones. Ask everyone the same way. Since April 2025 the CMA can fine businesses directly for breaking these rules. This is general information, not legal advice. A consumer law solicitor can check your review process if you are unsure.
What do I do about an unfair negative review?
Reply calmly, without confirming they were a patient or giving clinical detail, and invite them to contact you directly. Report it to the platform only if it breaks the platform's rules. Do not threaten legal action in a public reply.
Google or a healthcare directory first?
Google first, because that is where most patients see a rating when they search your name. Add one healthcare directory for patients who compare consultants.
How many reviews is enough?
There is no magic number. Recency matters as much as count: a steady few a month beats fifty from three years ago.
Can I put reviews on my website?
Yes, but show a fair selection or embed the full feed. Picking only five-star reviews can be misleading under the new rules.
Do my hospital's reviews count?
They are about the hospital. Patients searching your name want reviews of you.
Last reviewed:
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One message a week. No sales messages. Reply STOP any time.