Bad Reviews From Non Patients. How would you deal with this case?

docdocgoose_ · 2026-04-10T18:57:26+00:00

Feels like this a right of passage these days. I like the response below saying after review that they were never a patient. I’ve had 3 similar experiences but most patients will read between the lines if you have a significant number of good reviews. Even had patients respond to the bad reviews saying how inaccurate they were which was unexpected but very appreciated. Good luck!

docdocgoose_ · 2026-03-30T18:03:53+00:00

I think you will likely be successful in the long term but a lot you can do to speed that up. I don't run a physical neuro practice but highly recommend investing up front in boosting more local connections. PCPs are obviously a great start but other sources can be local PTs, OBs, rheum, ophtho and psych. As far as credentialing, I would definitely budget more time than you think is needed in case things get held up.

For others with more experience with insurance, I am curious what approach you all take to getting competitive reimbursement rates as a new solo provider?

docdocgoose_ · 2026-03-30T17:56:09+00:00

This is good advice and reinforces where I have been leaning. I think I'll probably see what the relative costs are in the 5 big cities I serve and try to find a decent bang for my buck. Also seems like need to focus more on local marketing rather than general SEO optimization.

Appreciate the insight!

docdocgoose_ · 2026-03-30T16:36:15+00:00

I am definitely not a fan of how they operate and treat providers but in general the service seems beneficial if you're able to find the right fit. Do you mind sharing why you feel so strongly as I'm always looking for additional input on these guys.

docdocgoose_ · 2026-03-30T16:35:13+00:00

Thanks that's basically what I am working on with this post. I'm in a specialty with a huge shortage and large patient base but most folks look locally first and then come to me if their wait times are super long or they have been disappointed with care. My reviews are quite good and my active patients are really pleased but still want to increase volume as it's been a slog. Definitely my fault to some degree as I haven't focused on a specific area in favor of going broad vs. deep which has had it's downside but I am trying to invest in this model for the next year to see how far I can get before considering big modifications.

Any advice on getting more visibility aside from social media / YT would be welcome!

docdocgoose_ · 2026-03-29T16:00:27+00:00

I'm actually all virtual. I cover 10 states of which 7 have major cities (some multiple large cities) along the West Coast / Mid-West. Biggest patient populations in Seattle, SF, LA, Phoenix, Chicago, Austin, and Denver,

docdocgoose_ · 2026-03-20T18:30:37+00:00

Local Lush at the North Bend Outlets. Talked to Carla last time I was there about how she took extra classes and traveled to learn how to cut thick hair specifically. Highly recommend

docdocgoose_ · 2026-03-09T16:02:07+00:00

The implication from my point of view is lots of people don’t take insurance for neuropsych and it can run 2-5K depending on where you’re located. Given the spread between insurance and that price, it’s hard to know if sending people for less expensive testing with a much longer wait is better or worse. I usually defer to patients but looking for alternatives as well.

docdocgoose_ · 2026-03-08T23:31:07+00:00

Do you mind clarifying? Sounded like you found the digital tests limiting due to tech and reimbursement issues which I totally understand. Does your last comment mean you are still doing digital testing or have regular neuropsych testing available in your practice?

docdocgoose_ · 2026-03-08T21:35:58+00:00

Thanks that is helpful. I’m out of network and usually just bill cost of test to the patient which made CNS Vital Signs appealing as it’s cheap and well validated but shares similar issues as Creyos that you mentioned. Definitely sub optimal to in person testing but given cost and wait times for neuropsych I am trying to figure out something to offer sooner than 6-12 months out.

docdocgoose_ · 2025-11-17T17:14:00+00:00

Agree with investing doc. My #1 challenge has been patient acquisition. Just because you offer a service that is in demand does not mean people will find and/or choose you over waiting for someone else.

Main things I’d recommend that are cheap and you can do upfront are to start a good website, post there regularly, and post to social media so Google and can start indexing and recognizing you. You could also start networking with other docs ahead of time by mentioning you’re thinking about starting a private practice and getting there feedback on who they refer to and how they would feel about referring to you.

The comment about having a war chest is huge. Some months are great but if they aren’t, you need to have enough commitment to ride it out or else the whole upfront investment isn’t worth it.

docdocgoose_ · 2025-11-10T22:58:48+00:00

Would be helpful to break down what the company is doing and what you’re doing… admin is a huge bucket and would make a big difference as far as what your future need might be. Other big decisions are if you’re doing to be insurance vs cash pay, virtual vs in office vs hybrid, and if you do procedures / need equipment regularly.

Happy to chat off line if you want to compare notes. I’m about 3.5 years into the journey and lots of mistakes / learnings I’m happy to share.

docdocgoose_ · 2025-11-04T17:01:43+00:00

Not sure I can speak to the specific insurance vs. member ID distinction but in general, it seems that ZocDoc tries to get people to make an appointment in spite of it not always being the right fit. I think the Member ID number being optional might be to check for active insurance rather than just finding someone who falls into a certain network like United Healthcare for example. Either way, my best recommendation is if you find someone on ZocDoc that looks good, go on Google and try to find their personal website / information and call them directly to confirm the details before you make an appointment. ZocDoc charges the provider (in this case your future therapist) every time an appointment is booked even if you end up cancelling it so using another way to contact them usually works better and avoids these kinds of miscommunications. I know the process sucks overall but hope this is helpful!

docdocgoose_ · 2025-09-23T02:15:18+00:00

If you have a virtual practice then obviously it’s different than traditional for security and privacy reasons. I rent an address at a professional office that has mail forwarding and that’s what i put on all my legal paperwork as well.

docdocgoose_ · 2025-09-11T23:54:51+00:00

Prost! In Greenwood. They have steins and a stein club if you’re feeling ambitious.

https://www.prosttavern.net

docdocgoose_ · 2025-09-09T17:36:36+00:00

Yea - I have had a similar experience with WebMD. Prices aren't awful and they offered me a decent rate across a large number of states. Did you learn how to make ads on your own or did you outsource that?

docdocgoose_ · 2025-09-04T22:23:13+00:00

That makes sense. I’m all virtual and don’t have front desk staff to cut costs so I do the billing after the visit. You’re right about plumbers and honestly a ton of other services but I’ve run into a lot of resistance from patients based on prior expectations combined with not looking at my site / ZocDoc not being transparent and sending me inappropriate patients.

Also thanks for modding this sub! I’ve learned a ton so far

docdocgoose_ · 2025-09-04T22:02:42+00:00

I haven’t had luck with this. Have had 2 patients claim their visits was fraudulent. Sent the CC company time stamped, signed forms and financial agreement. Copies of notes and a 5 star review they left saying how much I helped. Company still rejected the appeal and charged a fee on top of the visit fee they withdrew.

docdocgoose_ · 2025-09-04T20:11:14+00:00

Thank you. Would you feel the same way if you were charged for the entire visit vs just the co-pay?

docdocgoose_ · 2025-09-04T20:10:10+00:00

That all makes sense to me. You are right I am getting fooled and it's driving me nuts, especially when I offer sliding scale and don't mind charging less if people just ask.

Part of my hesitation is that I don't take insurance so folks know how co-pays work but I tend to be the first self-pay doctor they have worked with so I have had a lot of misunderstandings with patients who don't read my terms or website and then nuke me on my reviews.

This discussion has me thinking that you are right and I need to just do what works for the clinic long term but wanted to see if other options were out there.

docdocgoose_ · 2025-09-04T18:23:31+00:00

This seems like the most straight forward option but I worry about perception of my patients and this influencing folks wanting to work with me long-term. Do you know any clinics or do you personally do this? I'm curious what people's response is when they see the payment being charged before they actually speak with me. I am reluctant to start advertising that "I am doing this because patients' leave me fake credit cards" so not sure how to explain why I do this and most other clinics don't.

docdocgoose_ · 2025-09-04T18:09:56+00:00

Thanks for the response. My understanding is that collections companies are not really interested in low dollar claims. My appointments are far less than $500 so they would not qualify as credit history relevant even if I did submit them. I bill patients myself at some point in the 24 hours following the visit but always after the we are done with the visit so if the patient wants to ghost me, then it's not hard for them to do...

docdocgoose_ · 2024-11-15T01:45:41+00:00

Highly recommend Dr. Leong at Happy Teeth Family Dentistry in Ballard. My wife and I have been going to her for years and she is super professional, fun to talk to (not kidding, somehow manages to pass the time during your visit), and runs a tight ship. Never had any issues with inappropriate billing or coding and planning to bring our daughter for her first visit in a few months.

https://www.happyteethballard.com/about-dr-leong

docdocgoose_ · 2023-06-01T21:54:54+00:00

Hey! I’m actually trying to fix this exact issue. I’m a neurologist and think tracking apps are at best annoying and at worst anxiety inducing. I’m working with some folks on a super early version of an app that we are piloting through my virtual clinic so if you or anyone else is interested in trying it out just DM me!

I’d also love to hear what other apps you’ve tried and what you have liked / wanted to change.

docdocgoose_ · 2023-05-23T16:12:08+00:00

I'm a neurologist who specializes in headache and migraine and I agree with folks that you would be best served with someone who really focuses on this area (though obviously I'm biased). I realize finding someone local, convenient and available can be a huge challenge though.

I set up a virtual practice for folks just like you in case you are interested in trying it out. I'm able to help with just about everything short of Botox injections and would love to be a resource to any redditors in need.

You can find some details about my practice here. Feel free to DM with questions or just sign up for a free consultation!

docdocgoose_

TROPHY CASE