10 Ways to Ask Your Happy Patients for Reviews (Without Sounding Impolite)

"I have found that the most genuine way to encourage patients to leave a review is by asking them directly, face-to-face, when they share positive feedback about their experience. If a patient tells me how happy they are with their results or how comfortable they felt during their visit, I take that as the perfect moment to kindly say something like, "I'm so glad to hear that. If you wouldn't mind sharing your experience in a review, it would really help others who are looking for care." This approach feels natural and sincere because it comes from a place of gratitude in the moment, rather than as a generic request later on.

While emails or automated messages can be convenient, they often get ignored or feel impersonal. Patients may not take the time to respond if the request doesn't feel meaningful. By asking directly, I'm able to connect on a human level and show patients that their voices matter. I've noticed they're more likely to follow through when they can see how much I genuinely value their feedback. This simple, personal approach has been far more effective in building trust and encouraging honest reviews that reflect real patient experiences."

- Dr. Susan Binder, Owner & Dermatologist Binder Dermatology

"From my experience, the most natural way to encourage patient reviews is to include a short note in the post-visit summary thanking patients for coming in and mentioning how much reviews help others find quality care. I've also added bilingual instructions since many of my patients appreciate seeing the request in Spanish as well; it feels more thoughtful and personal. When I do mention it in person, I frame it as a way their story could guide someone else looking for preventive care, which makes the request feel more meaningful and less like a task."

- Dr. Edward Espinosa, Owner OptumMD

"I've learned that the best reviews come from patients you've genuinely helped through tough situations. The key is asking at the moment they realize their life has changed, not during checkout or follow-up calls, but when they're experiencing their breakthrough.

I ask during their "wow" moment in the office. When a patient walks in six weeks after ACL reconstruction and tells me they just played basketball with their kids again, that's when I mention reviews. "John, seeing you move like that, would you mind telling other parents dealing with knee injuries what this journey was like?" I get their permission to have my staff follow up with simple instructions.

We've made it stupidly simple with printed cards. Each card has QR codes for Google, Healthgrades, and our website with one sentence: "Help others find the relief you found." Our front desk hands these out only to patients who've expressed genuine satisfaction during their visit. We went from 12 reviews in 2022 to over 180 this year using this method.

The secret isn't the system - it's recognizing when someone truly feels grateful and asking them to pay it forward to other patients suffering with the same condition they just conquered."

- Corey Welchlin, Owner Center for Specialty Care

"For any healthcare practice, the best approach is to ask via email. This method is the most effective because it completely removes any sense of pressure or obligation from the therapeutic space, which is critical in maintaining trust with a patient.

A direct, in-person ask can put a patient in an awkward position. They may feel compelled to say yes to please their doctor, which introduces an uncomfortable dynamic into the clinical relationship. An email, on the other hand, gives them the privacy and time to consider the request without feeling watched. They can choose to write a review, or simply ignore the email, with no social consequence.

The key is to frame the email as an invitation for the patient to help others, not as a request to boost the practice. A message focused on this idea can be very effective: "If you had a positive experience, sharing your story can be a powerful way to reduce stigma and encourage someone else who is hesitant to finally seek the help they need."

This approach transforms the request from a transactional one into a mission-driven one. It invites happy patients to pay it forward, and it respects their autonomy and privacy above all else."

- Ishdeep Narang, MD, Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist | Founder ACES Psychiatry

"I tend to frame these requests within my own personal story. The fact that I'm running my own small, woman-owned business is appealing to my all-female clientele. By emphasizing the idea of solidarity and mutual support, I can gain buy-in from patients for referrals, recommendations, and reviews."

- Eileen Wang, Physician Modern Menopause

"Using emails is the most professional method, and they allow customers to express themselves better. Also, direct review requests are a great tool. Making a thank you video might not be easy for everyone, so it's not a very effective tool for getting reviews, even if the patient is happy."

- Austin Anadu, Medical Doctor AlynMD

"The most impactful and genuine manner in which we request reviews from our delighted members is by cultivating and naturally incorporating it into our support routine.

When a member celebrates a major milestone on the forum, whether it is their one-year surgiversary or a non-scale victory, for example, our moderators and medical providers celebrate that win with them and then give them a gentle nudge to “pay it forward” by sharing their story in the form of a review.

This approach works wonders for our platform because it never feels like a transactional ask. It's an add-on to our main mission of peer support, turning a request for feedback into an invitation to inspire others on their journey. This always results in a really warm, authentic testimonial that resonates deeply with prospective patients."

- Kevin Huffman, Medical Director American Bariatrics

"Running a men's health clinic for three years has shown me that timing beats technique every time. The magic happens during the follow-up call we make 48-72 hours after treatment - not at checkout when patients are still processing everything.

I discovered this accidentally when calling patients about their testosterone results. Those who felt improvements were incredibly grateful for the personal touch, and mentioning reviews felt natural in that moment. Our Google reviews jumped from maybe one monthly to 15-20 authentic reviews per month.

The key is making it about care continuity, not review hunting. I tell patients, "I'm calling to check how you're feeling - any questions about your treatment?" When they share positive results, I simply add, "Would you mind letting other men know about your experience online? It really helps guys who are struggling to take that first step."

What makes this work in men's health specifically is that our patients often feel isolated about these issues initially. When they realize treatment works, they genuinely want to help other men who might be suffering in silence."

- Len Berkowitz, Co-Founder Center For Men's Health of Rhode Island

"As an orthodontist running a busy dental practice, we've found that asking for reviews works best when it feels personal and sincere. When a patient finishes treatment and they're happy with their smile, we take a moment to thank them and say, "If you've had a good experience, we'd really appreciate a review." It's a natural part of the conversation and never feels forced because it's coming from a place of genuine appreciation.

We also send a short follow-up email after treatment concludes. It includes a brief thank you and a direct link to our review page. People are more likely to follow through when it's easy and doesn't feel like a sales pitch.

The key is that we've integrated this into our routine. Everyone on our team knows when and how to ask, and because it's consistent, it feels professional rather than transactional. Our reviews are honest reflections of the care we provide, and that helps future patients feel confident in choosing us."

- Dr. Laurence Schimmel, DDS, Owner Schimmel Orthodontic Associates

"In my experience, using online reputation management software has been the most effective way I've found to ask my happy patients for reviews without sounding impolite. It automates the process in a professional and non-intrusive way. This method sends a polite, standardized request via text or email after a patient's appointment. It removes any awkwardness from asking in person and ensures we are consistent.

For example, our system is set to send a message 24 hours after a consultation. It thanks the patient for their visit and includes a simple link to leave a review if they feel inclined. This respects their time and privacy while still making it easy for them to share feedback.

Using software helps us systematically gather feedback, which is essential for improving our data-driven services while maintaining a high standard of patient care."

- Menachem Jacobs, Co-founder Outlive Biology