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In short: Patients often choose a clinic by its Google reviews. You get more genuine reviews when you ask politely after a good visit and send a direct link. Reply to every review factually and without details about treatment, because patient confidentiality applies online too. Buying or rewarding reviews is not allowed.

Why reviews matter so much for clinics

For searches like “dentist near me” or “physiotherapy in Vienna”, Google first shows a map with three listings. The number, average and freshness of reviews influence who appears there and who gets the click. AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Gemini also draw on reviews when they recommend providers.

When and how to ask for a review

  • At the right moment: right after a successful appointment, or the same day by text message or email.
  • With a direct link to the review form of your Google Business Profile so nobody has to search.
  • In person: one sentence from the doctor or the front desk works better than any automated message.
  • Ask everyone the same way: Google does not allow you to ask only patients you expect to be happy.

What is not allowed

Discounts, vouchers or prize draws in exchange for reviews break Google’s policies and consumer protection rules in many countries. Bought or self-written reviews can get your profile suspended. More on advertising rules in Healthcare advertising: what a clinic can and cannot say.

How to reply to reviews

Thank people for positive reviews briefly and personally. With criticism: stay calm, take the concern seriously and offer to continue the conversation outside the platform. Never confirm publicly that someone is a patient and never mention details of treatment. That would breach confidentiality.

An example: “Thank you for your feedback. We take comments about waiting times seriously and would like to talk to you in person. Please call us at our clinic number.”

Unfair or fake reviews

Reviews that break Google’s policies, such as insults or reviews from people who were never at your clinic, can be reported in your Business Profile. Removal is not guaranteed, but clear violations are often taken down.

Keep your Business Profile complete

Reviews work better on a complete profile: the right category, services, opening hours, photos of the premises and team, and a link to online booking. For patients who are actively searching, combine this with Google Ads for clinics.

Frequently asked questions

How many reviews does a clinic need?

There is no fixed number. More important is a steady flow of new reviews and how you compare with clinics around you.

Can I show reviews on my website?

Yes, if they are genuine and current, are not selected in a misleading way and the platform allows it.

Want more patients to find your clinic in Google and in AI search? Read how we approach marketing for clinics and medical practices or book a free first call.

Read also: How to track booked patients