As a patient, you don’t have a lot of time, and your thoughts are probably elsewhere when you’re actively looking for a doctor. The last thing you want to do is waste time, and this is where reviews play a significant role. Nowadays, people typically search for a doctor online before actually leaving the house, but what is the best site for doctor reviews?
Of course, multiple factors influence why a potential patient chooses one doctor over another, but reviews can play a huge part in that decision. Nobody wants to visit a doctor with an average rating of three stars or below.
But where should I, as a patient, start looking? There are several platforms available, but one thing is certain—if a doctor is not good, it will be evident across all platforms. You won’t find a five-star average rating on one platform and a two-star average rating on another.
Popular Platforms in the US where patients can get a good feeling about the services.
Google Business Profile
If you’re a doctor running a small practice in the U.S., having a Google My Business (GMB) profile isn’t optional, it’s essential. When patients search for “doctor near me,” your GMB profile is often the first impression they get. It displays opening hours, location, phone number, reviews, and even lets them book an appointment directly from Google. This is of course optional.
Beyond visibility, it builds trust through patient reviews, gives you control over your online info, and even provides insights into how patients are finding you. With so many decisions starting with a quick Google search, a well-optimized GMB profile can mean the difference between gaining a new patient—or losing them to the practice down the street.
- Why it matters: The most influential platform, as Google reviews appear in search results and Google Maps.
- Best for: General reputation management, local SEO, and visibility.
Healthgrades
Healthgrades is one of the most trusted healthcare-specific platforms patients use to compare and choose doctors. A polished profile here can reinforce your credibility and help patients feel confident choosing your practice.
- Why it matters: One of the most widely used healthcare-specific review platforms, helping patients find doctors, hospitals, and specialists.
- Best for: Reputation among healthcare-focused audiences.
WebMD (Vitals.com)
WebMD is a great tool for symptom-checking. Their provider directory connects millions of health-conscious users with doctors. Being listed (and updated) on WebMD boosts your online authority, making you more visible to patients who are already researching providers and conditions.
- Why it matters: WebMD’s doctor directory (formerly Vitals) is a trusted resource where patients search for providers and read reviews.
- Best for: Credibility among patients seeking expert health advice.
Zocdoc
Zocdoc makes booking an appointment as easy as ordering takeout. It’s a game-changer for doctors, especially in competitive urban areas. When patients see real-time availability and can book instantly, it reduces friction and increases conversions. Plus, Zocdoc’s user-friendly interface helps build immediate trust
- Why it matters: Primarily used for appointment booking, but reviews also influence patients’ decisions.
- Best for: Practices that want to combine reviews with easy online booking.
Yelp
Yelp is probably best known as review platform for restaurants, but it’s also widely used by doctors. Many patients rely on Yelp to read in-depth reviews and see how a practice handles feedback. A solid rating and active presence show that you care about patient experience and transparency.
- Why it matters: While more general, Yelp is a major player in consumer reviews and often ranks high in search results.
- Best for: Practices in competitive urban areas looking for broader exposure.
A Facebook Business Page gives your practice a personal touch. It’s a space to share updates, post health tips, and engage with your community. Patients can also leave reviews, ask questions, or message you directly. For local practices, Facebook can be a low-effort, high-return platform to stay top-of-mind.
- Why it matters: Patients often leave recommendations on Facebook business pages, and positive feedback can spread through social sharing.
- Best for: Engaging with patients and fostering a community.
RateMDs
RateMDs is specifically designed for patients to rate and review doctors. It’s often one of the first pages to rank when someone Googles a doctor’s name. That makes it critical to monitor, respond to, and manage your profile as a doctor, because reputation means everything on this platform.
- Why it matters: A long-standing doctor review site focused on physician ratings and detailed feedback.
- Best for: Building credibility, especially for specialists.
RealSelf
If you’re in dermatology, plastic surgery, or aesthetics, RealSelf is a must. This platform is where patients research treatments, compare providers, and view before-and-after photos. A strong presence on RealSelf helps you stand out visually and professionally, especially in competitive markets.
- Why it matters: Specifically for cosmetic and elective healthcare providers, featuring patient reviews, before-and-after photos, and detailed experiences.
- Best for: Plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and cosmetic dentists.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The BBB may not be flashy, but it’s a symbol of trust—especially for older patients. A good BBB rating shows you operate ethically and handle complaints responsibly. It’s one more way to demonstrate professionalism and build confidence among cautious patients doing their due diligence.
- Why it matters: While not healthcare-specific, BBB ratings and reviews can influence trust, especially for larger medical practices.
- Best for: Practices looking to highlight professionalism and ethical standards.
U.S. News & World Report (Hospital Rankings)
The U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings carry serious weight with patients, especially those seeking specialists or second opinions. Being listed or affiliated with a ranked hospital can significantly boost your perceived credibility and expertise. Patients often use this site to find top-rated care in their area, so ensuring your profile is accurate (and connected to a ranked facility if applicable) can give your practice a powerful trust boost.
- Why it matters: Patients researching top hospitals and specialists often rely on these rankings.
- Best for: Hospitals and large healthcare organizations.
Which Review Platforms Matter Most?
- For private practices → Google, Healthgrades, WebMD, Yelp, Facebook
- For hospitals & larger networks → U.S. News, Google, Healthgrades
- For specialists & cosmetic providers → RealSelf, WebMD, Google
