Using Patient Testimonials on Medical Websites

Just like other businesses, medical practices benefit from various forms of social proof. Online reviews are one of the best forms of social proof – but as with many types of marketing, medical practices can’t simply leverage patient reviews in the same way many other types of businesses can. Due to HIPAA, you need to make sure to take steps to protect your patients’ privacy before using any identifying information on your website or in any other marketing materials.

How to Properly Post Reviews or Testimonials

If you plan to post a comment from a patient, you basically have two choices: either get their permission in writing or make sure the content is completely anonymous. Let’s look deeper into each of these options.

In order to get permission to post a patient’s information, you will need to have them sign a testimonial release form, giving permission for their name and likeness to be used in a testimonial for your medical practice. The form should include the following information:

- The name and contact information of the patient.

- The date the form is signed.

- A statement that the patient is giving permission for their name and likeness to be used in a testimonial for the medical practice.

- A statement that the patient understands that their testimonial may be used in marketing materials, on the medical practice’s website, or in other public forums.

- A statement that the patient is not being compensated for their testimonial.

- The signature of the patient.

The testimonial release form should be signed in front of a witness. This will help to protect you in case there are any legal issues down the road.

Here is an example of a medical practice testimonial release form:

NOTE – do not take this to be legal advice, as we are not attorneys. Please review this with an attorney who is familiar with the intricacies of both HIPAA laws and your state legal system before finalizing this or any legal documents:

Testimonial Release Form

I, [Patient Name], hereby give my permission to [Medical Practice Name] to use my name and likeness in a testimonial for the medical practice. I understand that my testimonial may be used in marketing materials, on the medical practice’s website, or in other public forums. I am not being compensated for my testimonial. I have read and understand this form, and I sign it freely and voluntarily.

[Patient Signature], [Date]

[Witness Signature], [Date]

How to Post a Review Without PHI

If you would like to Post patient comments in an anonymous fashion, take the following into account:

- Remove the name completely, or use a pseudonym that is in no way related to the person in question

- Remove any identifying information from the review. This includes the reviewer’s name, location, and any other personal information that could be used to identify them.

- If the review includes an image, blur out any identifying information that might be pictured.

And if you really are not sure, do not post the content without obtaining permission or obtaining appropriate legal advice.

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