First, the compliance line
Asking a patient for a review is fine. The trap is in how you target the ask: do not hand-pick reviewers based on their diagnosis or treatment, and never include protected health information in the request itself. A blanket "we'd love your feedback" to everyone is safe; "since your knee surgery went well, would you review us?" is not.
The ask that actually works
- Ask at peak happiness. Right after a good visit — at checkout, or in a same-day follow-up text — is when patients are most willing.
- Make it one tap. Every extra step loses people. A direct link to your Google review form (or a QR code they scan at the front desk) converts far better than "look us up on Google."
- Keep it short and human. "If you have 30 seconds, a quick Google review really helps our small practice — here's the link." That's the whole script.
- Never gate or buy reviews. Don't filter out unhappy patients before the ask, and never offer discounts for reviews — both violate Google's policies and can trigger removal.
Where to put the ask
- Front desk: a printed QR on the counter and in treatment rooms.
- Follow-up text/email: the single most effective channel — send it the same day.
- Appointment reminders and recall messages: add a one-line review link.
- Email signatures: a standing "Review us on Google" link for the whole team.
Make it effortless
ReplyChair's free review link + QR generator creates the direct Google review link and a printable QR in seconds — no signup. And our $9/mo Review Concierge gives you a hosted, branded review page at your own link plus done-for-you replies to every review that comes in.
This is general information, not legal advice. Consult your compliance officer for your situation.