Your online presence is more important than you may think.

Newly released results from Binary Foundation’s Healthcare Consumer Insight and Digital Engagement Survey indicate that digital research has skyrocketed for patients seeking the right provider. So, if you and your practice are not online, or if your online presence is poor, now might be the time to rethink your digital strategy.

According to the report, which surveyed 1,000 American adults to produce their findings, 60% use search engines to find a doctor, while 51% turn to social media. Both numbers are on the rise, but, in particular, social media searches are soaring, up from only 7% in 2017, or a 621% increase.

And what are patients looking for exactly? Ratings and reviews, it seems.

The survey found that 75% of patients are influenced by online feedback, such as reviews and star ratings, and it was also found that comments from other patients about a practice or provider are the second most important factor for patients when choosing a physician.

Factors that are less important to patients now than in 2017 as identified by the findings included hospital affiliation, facility location, and insurance coverage.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.