Be social but stay out of trouble

Last month, Medical Staff Briefing discussed how physicians can use social media to enhance their practices by communicating with current patients, attracting new patients, and sharing health tips with a large number of people quickly. But there can also be negative side effects associated with social media. Physicians are now being reviewed by patients online, through websites like Yelp, Healthgrades, and Vital. And unlike other business owners, physicians can get into serious trouble even just by defending themselves when responding to reviews. Physicians also have to think twice (maybe three times) about any information they share involving a patient case, even if the information the physician has to share could benefit many other patients. This month, MSB asked experts to explain what physicians need to know about sharing health information online and responding to online reviews.

This is an excerpt from a members-only article. Please log in or become a member to read the complete article.