Online Patient Reviews and HIPAA

Online reviews play a crucial role in helping individuals evaluate and choose the right dentist. In fact, a majority of people, 84%, rely on online reviews to make informed decisions.

As more people turn to the internet to find dental services, it becomes increasingly important for dental practices to proactively manage and respond to online reviews while ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Recent data reveals that 88% of dentists have received online patient reviews, but a significant portion, 39%, feel restricted in responding due to concerns about HIPAA regulations. According to a survey conducted by the ADA Health Policy Institute in December 2022, dental practices can face substantial fines for inadvertently disclosing sensitive patient information in their review responses. Even acknowledging a patient's presence at the practice without revealing any details can potentially violate HIPAA guidelines.

It is crucial to remember that when a patient identifies themselves in a review, it does not waive their right to HIPAA protection. Patient confidentiality must always be safeguarded!

Dental practices should proactively monitor their presence on popular review platforms to stay informed about the feedback they receive, whether positive or negative. Equipping dentists with the necessary resources to effectively manage comments across social media accounts, review sites, and other platforms is essential.

The Dental Practice and Benefits Committee encourages dental professionals to prioritize patient privacy while actively engaging with and addressing reviews. By maintaining professionalism and compliance, dental practices can effectively navigate the world of online reviews while ensuring the highest standard of patient care.