Maintaining a positive online presence is vital to the success of any medical practice.

A recent survey from Doctor.com revealed that as many as 63 percent of respondents would choose one provider over another because of a strong online presence. Similarly, 60 percent of respondents have chosen one provider over another based on a positive online reputation.

As patients increasingly rely on the internet to determine which provider is best for them, online reviews play a critical role in the success—or failure—of modern medical practices. Unfortunately, it is often impossible for a potential patient to differentiate truthful and accurate reviews from fraudulent ones. Worse, a single disgruntled patient may leave many reviews across a number of platforms, inflicting untold harm with a few keystrokes. Thus, defamatory reviews can quickly destroy a thriving practice.

The risks posed by online reviews are especially dangerous for healthcare practices since health complications can arise or worsen even if providers have done everything properly, and reviewers may be completely misinformed regarding the standard of practice applicable to their situation.

Doctors have a right to defend their reputations and livelihoods against reviewers who spread false and damaging claims. Fortunately, there are a variety of legal options available to combat defamatory online reviews.