When a prospective patient searches your name online, they want to see authentic experiences from people who have already placed their trust in you. A well-crafted testimonial not only answers their unspoken questions (“Will I be cared for?” “Will I get results?”) but also boosts credibility with search engines and review platforms.
Below, we outline the key parts of a standout testimonial and share tactful, friendly ways to request them without making patients feel uncomfortable.
Why Patient Testimonials Matter More Than Ever
Google, Healthgrades, and RealSelf continue to reward fresh, detailed reviews with prime visibility. Furthermore, for physicians, collecting testimonials is more than a marketing exercise; it’s also a risk-management consideration. At Medical Justice, we help doctors navigate this fine line every day with eMerit, our online reputation management program.
The Anatomy of a High-Value Testimonial
1. Specific Details
A strong testimonial offers context (“I struggled with chronic shoulder pain for years…”) and describes your process in general terms.
2. Emotion That Rings True
Patients connect with stories that feel genuine. Phrases like “I finally slept through the night” or “My confidence returned” give the testimonial weight and resonate far more than generic praise.
3. Notes on Professionalism & Care
Comments about your bedside manner, staff responsiveness, and office efficiency reinforce trust and show that the entire experience—not just the procedure—matters.
Keep in mind, these are “perfect case scenarios,” and most reviews won’t include all these every time. Accept any positive review as a win.
Tactful Ways to Ask for Reviews
Even satisfied patients may hesitate to share their story unless prompted thoughtfully. Here are some reputation-safe strategies:
| Scenario | What to Say | Why It Works |
| At the Post-Op/Follow-Up Visit | “We’re thrilled you’re feeling better. Others in similar circumstances often look for honest feedback before choosing a physician. Would you feel comfortable sharing your experience online? Here’s a QR code that makes it easy.” | Gratitude first; invitation second. A QR code or dedicated eMerit iPad removes friction. |
| Email Follow-Up | Subject line: Thank You for Trusting Us Body: “Your feedback helps future patients make informed decisions. If you can spare two minutes, please describe (1) what brought you in, (2) how our team supported you, and (3) how you’re doing now. Here’s the link.” | Provides simple prompts so patients know what “good” looks like and links directly to a review platform. |
| Phone Call From Staff | “Ms. Lopez, we’re checking in after your procedure. Dr. Jones is always refining how we serve patients. If you have a moment, would you share a few thoughts online? I can text you the direct link.” | Staff-initiated, helpful, and patient-centric. |
Learn more about asking for reviews in our blog, How (and When) to Ask Patients for Reviews.
The ask should be framed as a service to future patients, not the practice. Chances are, your patient chose you in part by reading reviews and may likely be willing to share their experience to help people in similar circumstances. eMerit streamlines this process by capturing patient feedback in-office with a dedicated iPad when the timing is right for you and the patient, and publishes the review to major platforms.
“We are a group of physicians that have been working with the Medical Justice eMerit team for the past 9 years. They have helped us obtain many more reviews from our patients by streamlining the process and making it much more convenient for our patients. They have also helped us in the process of flagging and getting fictitious reviews removed. Throughout our experience with them, they have been highly effective, honest, timely, talented and professional. If you are looking for a service to help manage your reviews, we highly recommend them.”
—5-star Google review
Compare review-building software for physicians here: Review-Building Software: eMerit vs. Birdeye, Weave, DearDoc, & Others.
Ready to Strengthen Your Online Reputation?
We’ve helped thousands of physicians turn everyday gratitude into powerful (and protected) social proof. Schedule a 15-minute consultation to see how Medical Justice and eMerit can safeguard—and amplify—your hard-earned reputation.
